KS5 GCE Law

What will I learn?

Law aims develop an understanding of both public and private law in England and Wales. Students will study the dynamics of legal decision making that will equip them with the skills necessary to study law at higher education. It has a broad focus to enable students to experience a range of legal disciplines. It is advisable for anyone who is considering a career in law, to study law so that they can make an informed choice about their career.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is based on three external examinations in year 13 as follows:

Component 1 – The Nature of Law and the English Legal System

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes = 25% of the qualification

Section A – Law Making and the Nature of Law: Two short answer questions and one scenario based question.
Section B – The English Legal System and the Nature of Law: One question from a choice of two essay type questions each consisting of part (a) and (b).

Component 2 – Substantive Law in Practice

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes = 37.5% of the qualification.  One scenario based question from three different sections selected from:

Section A – Law of Contract (private law)
Section B – Law of Tort (private law)
Section C – Criminal law (public law)
Section D – Human Rights law (public law)

Component 3 – Perspectives of Substantive Law

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes = 37% of the qualification. One essay question from three different sections selected from:

Section A – Law of Contract (private law)
Section B – Law of Tort (private law)
Section C – Criminal law (public law)
Section D – Human Rights law (public law)

What are the entry requirements?

• English GCSE at grade C or above.
• An interest in current affairs.
• A willingness to work independently and read around the subject.
• A desire to develop skills of reasoning, analysis, research, evaluation and argument.

What are the costs?

Students will be expected to purchase an up to date textbook and revision guides. In addition, we may visit the local and central London law courts, the Houses of Parliament and attend conferences organised by the exam board which will incur travel costs.

Is there anything else I need to know?

You will be given class notes, your teacher will deliver the main aspects of each topic, and you will be expected to undertake individual and group work based on the teacher’s delivery. This will involve carrying out more detailed research. There will be a variety of methods to deliver the subject. There will be lectures, question and answer sessions, individual task work, group work, discussions, role-play, student presentations, timed exam questions and mock exams. Much of the information will be reproduced in diagrammatic form to make learning easier. You will be expected to make your own comprehensive revision notes, you will have to read a lot to reinforce your knowledge and understanding, apply the law to problems and issues; carry out independent research, willingly contribute to class discussions and activities and be committed to hard work.

Future opportunities

A large majority of our students go onto to study Law at university. The study of Law at A level allows students to make an informed choice about whether a career in the law is the right option for them. Those students who go onto to study other subjects at university have through the study of law developed essential skills to equip them for higher education. Law graduates go on to train as solicitors or barristers or alternatively find employment in most areas – legal, local government, public sector, administration, business, personnel, banking, retail, tourism, etc.

Comments Written By Law Students

“Law is an interesting subject, and even if you are not considering a job in law when you’re older, it can help you in everyday life, and inform you of your rights”

“Law is a challenging subject, it has opened my eyes to the laws that govern the land and the courts and the running of the whole country. The most challenging part of the subject is trying to remember cases that give examples of the law in action. The lessons are always interactive and light-hearted. I think it is an excellent subject to start with afresh.”

“In my first year I perceived law as a difficult subject with too many concepts to focus on. However, as the course progressed I developed a liking for it. It is indeed an interesting discipline and affects our lives without us realising. If you are a person who likes to prove a point, win an argument and feel strongly about certain issues then law would be a wise choice for you. I now enjoy law so much I have decided to study law at university.”

Who do I contact for extra information?

Course contact: kuldip.saggu@biddenham.beds.sch.uk

Exam board:  EDUQAS