AS / A2 Law

WHY TAKE LAW?
Do you want to learn your consumer rights? Do you want to know when you can make a citizen’s arrest? Do you want to know how to sue somebody?

Law is a fresh, informative and well respected A level which appeals to a wide variety of students. It is relevant to everyday life, and will prepare you well for work or progression to university.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
The AS course is an introduction to the English legal system. Key topics include magistrates, solicitors, barristers, police powers, sentencing, bail and European law.

The A2 course builds upon knowledge acquired at AS and is spent learning the criminal law of our country. This is taught by the “case method” as used by many universities, and requires students to learn how our laws have been shaped by individual legal cases.

Offences to be learnt at A2 include murder, manslaughter, theft, and robbery, whilst defences include insanity, self defence, and intoxication.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
Essay writing is a key to exam success and the skills of analysis and evaluation need to be developed. The exams also require problem solving, and many mini case studies need to be solved. Lessons also involve a wide range of further skills including debating, and team working. Learning is very active with a questioning mind essential.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS I NEED?
You do not need any specific GCSEs to join this course.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Both years are currently assessed 100% by external examinations, with no formal coursework component. Exams are modular with one being taken each January and one each summer. The exams are all a mixture of essays, and problem questions.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
You will enjoy guest visits from local magistrates, and have the opportunity to compete in a law department mock trial competition. There is also the opportunity to join a pre law group for second years who are hoping to progress to a law degree. Priestley students have won the Warrington Mock Trial Competition for the last two years.

STUDENT IN PROFILE - RACHEL CORROBOY
Former High School - Cardinal Newman
Rachel selected Law as a new course to her and one that would complement her other subjects. She also took part in the Pre Law Enrichment Programme, and particularly impressed when taking on the role of a Lawyer in the Warrington Mock Trial Competition. At the end of her studies she progressed on to Manchester University to study Law with the ultimate ambition of becoming a Lawyer.

STUDENT IN PROFILE - KATIE WOODCOCK
Former High School - Abbey Gate College
Katie became very interested in Criminal Law during the second year of her A-Level course, and decided that she wanted to progress onto a Law degree. Katie particularly enjoyed the topic of duress, and analysing key judicial decisions. Studying Law at Priestley was ideal preparation for Katie who went onto achieve a place at Leeds Metropolitan University to study the subject further.