Law

Specification: AQA
Qualification: A Level Law

Head of Department: Roxanne Burrell
Email: roxanne.burrell@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Why study Law?

The study of law explores the interesting relationship between law, individuals and the state. You will study the role of law within society, how it impacts upon citizens and its relationship with justice and morality. You will study the structure of the legal system, the various sources of law and the role of legal institutions such as the police and the courts. The course further explores three main areas of substantive law; criminal law, tort law and contract law. Areas of study for criminal law include, murder, manslaughter, non-fatal offences against the person and defences. Areas of study for tort law include the topics of negligence, nuisance and occupiers liability. Areas of study for contract law include the formation of contracts, contractual terms and how contracts can be breached.

A-Level Law provides you with an opportunity to develop a range of transferrable skills including analysis, decision making, critical thinking and problem solving, all of which are highly sought after by employers and will support your study in other subjects too!

How will I be assessed?

A-Level Law is a linear qualification designed to be completed in two years and is examined externally across 3 x 2 hour written examinations:

Paper 1 – Criminal Law – 2 hours

Paper 2 – The Law of Tort – 2 hours

Paper 3 – Contract Law – 2 hours

Future Opportunities & Careers

It is strongly recommended that you study A Level Law if you want to study the subject at degree level or pursue an alternative route into the profession, such as training with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), as it offers you a valuable insight into the theory of law and legal practice. Law students are actively encouraged to consider a wide range of career paths whilst studying and are supported with obtaining work experience and applying to higher education courses.

Entry Requirements

Grade 4 or better in English Language GCSE

Course Expenses

Everything you need to succeed on this course is provided however small contributions may be required for trips over the course of the two years.

KS5 Progression

In KS5, students progress from developing foundational knowledge of legal rules and institutions to critically analysing and evaluating the English legal system and key areas of substantive law. Building on prior understanding, they develop a more sophisticated grasp of legal principles, including criminal law, tort law, contract law and the nature of law, while exploring how laws are created, interpreted and reformed.

Students are expected to apply legal rules and principles consistently to a range of scenarios, including problem questions and essay-based contexts. They develop the ability to interpret legal sources such as statutes and case law, select relevant legal authority and construct logical, structured arguments supported by accurate legal reasoning.

Throughout KS5, students refine their ability to analyse legal issues, evaluate the effectiveness of laws and the legal system, and consider a range of perspectives on justice, fairness and reform. They develop an understanding of how laws operate in practice, the limitations of the legal system, and the role of key institutions and individuals. This enables them to make balanced and critical judgements supported by evidence.

KS5 End point

By the end of KS5, students will be able to critically analyse and evaluate legal rules, concepts and institutions using well-developed legal knowledge and reasoning. They will be able to apply legal principles confidently to both familiar and unfamiliar scenarios, including problem questions that require precise application and essay questions that demand extended evaluation.

Students will demonstrate the ability to construct sustained, coherent and well-reasoned legal arguments, supported by relevant case law, legislation and accurate legal terminology. They will be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the legal system and propose reasoned reforms, considering factors such as fairness, accessibility and effectiveness.

In doing so, students will demonstrate independence in their thinking and analysis, showing that they are well prepared for higher education, professional legal study or careers requiring strong analytical, evaluative and argumentation skills.