AS / A2 Law

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
Do you want to know how to sue somebody? Do you want to know how you can make a citizen’s arrest? Do you want to learn the difference between murder and manslaughter? If these types of question interest you, then law may be one of the subjects for you. Law is a well respected, dynamic A level which appeals to a wide variety of students, and is certainly not limited to those who wish to pursue a career in the subject.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The AS Law course is an introduction to the English legal system. You will learn about how our laws are made, the key people involved in our legal system, and how our legal system works. Key areas include: police powers, sentencing, the court system, European Union law, and parliamentary law making.

The A2 course builds upon knowledge acquired at AS, and is wholly spent learning the criminal law of our country. This will be taught via the “case method” as used on most law degrees, and involves students researching how the law has been shaped by the decisions in individual legal cases.

Types of crimes studied at A2 include murder, theft, and GBH whilst defences to be studied include intoxication, self defence, and insanity.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Both AS Law and A2 Law account for 50% of your final A level result, and are assessed by 2 examinations per year. These are a mixture of essays, and problem questions. There is no formally assessed coursework in either year.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
The key to success is reading and researching the subject. Lessons involve a range of activities including debates, problem solving, team-working and mini lectures. Key requirements needed to succeed are enthusiasm, good examination skills, and a questioning mind. There are no special qualifications needed to take this course.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Many of our past students progress to university to do a degree - often a law one. Many of these then progress to further law qualifications, and are now working as either Solicitors or Barristers. Alternatively some students aim to go straight into employment to agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, or the Environment Agency.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
We offer our A2 students the very successful pre-law course designed especially to meet the specific needs of those who are hoping to progress onto a law degree. This involves them participating in key events such as local mock trial competitions and local mooting (legal argument) competitions, as well as going on several court trips, and listening to guest speakers that include local Solicitors and Barristers.