Law

Law

GCE Advanced Level AS/A2

Course Content
The course is based around six individual modules taught over two years.

AS Modules

Modules 1 and 2
Sources of English law - including law made by Parliament, law developed in the courts. It also looks at how judges interpret and apply law.

Ways in which the legal system works - particularly how the courts work, the role of solicitors and barristers, the jury, magistrates and judges, how cases are funded and alternatives to the courts.

Non-fatal offences against the person and the law of negligence.

A2 Modules

Modules 3 and 4
Murder, manslaughter, non-fatal offences and defences.

Property offences - burglary, robbery, theft, criminal damage, fraud and making off.

Themes and concepts in law, such as morality, justice, fault and judicial creativity.

How it is Taught
Lessons will use a variety of teaching methods including teacher-led work, student research using internet and library resources, class discussion and debates. We encourage students to take an active part in class - to raise questions, to contribute to discussions and question and answer sessions and to work together with other students.

In recent times activities have included conferences at Teesside University, a visit to Parliament and participation in the Bar National Mock trial Competition and National Debating Competitions. Students are encouraged to join College groups such as the Model United Nations where they will develop skills and confidence in debating important issues and speaking in public. In addition, each year we normally have several visiting speakers (recent examples have included a Judge, a local Magistrate and a Mediator).

Students are expected to keep well-organised files, to develop note-taking skills and to make regular use of web resources and their class textbooks.

Examination Details
Modules 1 and 2 are each 1 hour and 30 minutes in length. The papers are a mixture of short essays and legal problems.
Module 3 is 1 hour and 30 minutes in length and module 4 2 hours in length. Both are problem based papers which also require students to evaluate the law.

One module will be taken in January of the AS year and one module in June.
Module 3 will taken in January in the second year and module 4 in June.

Useful/Common Subject Combinations
Law combines well with Arts and Science subjects. We have students with a wide range of subject combinations. Students who take science subjects tend to have good analytical and reasoning skills which are useful in studying and applying legal principles. Arts students tend to have good written skills, an ability to argue a viewpoint and can express themselves well. Again, these are useful in studying law.

Students who are interested in current affairs and debating enjoy studying law.

Careers and HE Information
Each year about 30-35 students progress to study law at University, the most popular being Northumbria. Destinations in recent years have included Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford Brookes, Teesside, Leeds, Oxford, Cambridge, Newcastle, Lancaster and Liverpool.

Others went on to study non-law related subjects, some to a Gap Year and others left College to take up employment, including the police force.