Law

Exam Board

Additional Entry Requirements

5 in Mathematics required

6 in English Language required

6 in an essay writing subject required if Law not taken at GCSE (e.g., Eng. Literature, History, Geography, Law)

Course Content

Why law?

This course provides a proper insight into the realities of both a law degree and a career in the profession. A level law is not only for budding solicitors and barristers, it’s also popular with those seeking to enter the business or financial worlds and is highly regarded by universities.

Law is an empowering subject. Everyone should know how the legal system of their country works. Hopefully, you will never be charged with murder, but in your lifetime you may buy a property, make a Will, enter into a contract and sue or be sued! All of these things cease to be intimidating once you have studied law.

You will learn to express yourself clearly both in writing and orally, and become capable of researching at a high level and arguing a case from all sides. You’ll visit a magistrates’ court, Crown Court, High Court and the Supreme Court to see law in action. You will have the opportunity to hear outside speakers such as senior Crown prosecutors, and take part in a mock trial.

Course content

You’ll gain an understanding of both civil and criminal law and how they impact on our everyday lives. You’ll study the roles of magistrates, judges and juries in our society and learn how law is actually made by judges and by parliament. Law covers criminal offences such as ABH and GBH, murder and manslaughter, as well as self defence. In civil law you’ll be taught how to sue someone, learn about the Hillsborough tragedy, and what to do if your neighbour plays loud music all night. You’ll discuss the philosophy behind the law and question whether law can always, or ever, deliver justice. You will also learn about the Human Rights Act.

Mark scheme

Exam - 2 hours - 33.3%

100 marks

English legal system & criminal law

Combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Exam - 2 hours - 33.3%

100 marks

English legal system & tort

Combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Exam - 2 hours - 33.3%

100 marks

Human rights

Combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the headings below.

What sort of student enjoys A level law?

You do not need to have any legal knowledge.

You do need to be interested in current events. Do you read a newspaper, watch the news on the television or follow it on line? Do you enjoy watching legal series and documentaries?

You need to enjoy discussion and debate and be interested in the law itself and what is right or wrong with it.

Do you need to study A level law to take law at university?

You do not need to take A level law to study law at university.

To study law at university it is advisable to take at least one“old fashioned”essay writing subject but any subject will do.

Studying A level is a good way of deciding if a Law Degree would be a good idea. Many people say they would like to study law without really knowing what it involves. A level gives a taster of what a Degree will be like.

Is it true some universities do not like students wishing to take a law degree to have A level law?

This used to be the case but not in the last 15 years!

Most universities treat A level law in the same way as any other A level. It will not help your application but it will not hurt it either.

The only 2 universities that officially regard A level law less favourably are The London School of Economics and Oxford. In reality, both have taken a number of Woodhouse students with A level law so it is not clear what they really think!

What does the exam look like?

There are three exam papers. Crime, Tort and Human Rights. Each is two hours long. Each paper is a mix of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. All papers will contain unseen scenario questions where students will be presented with a story and will have to outline the relevant law and apply it to the given facts.

There is NO coursework.

Are there any trips?

We will visit a Magistrates Court, a Crown Court and the Supreme Court.

We will also have external speakers where possible including speakers from the Crown Prosecution Service and the Magistrates Association.

RUBY

East Barnet School

"I enjoy Law because of the engaging lessons which cover a plethora of different topics, all of which are applicable to people's personal lives. I'm going to study Law at university and wanted to study it at Woodhouse to make sure it was the right degree for me.

I came to Woodhouse predominately for the social aspect it offered, although the educational appeal is undeniably amazing. The key attribute I like is the liberal and diverse ethos it has. The teachers are nice and helpful and really engage with students, and the societies are really good."

PETER

Hertswood School

"I enjoy that every law lesson challenges my ideas of what I thought the law was.

I want to go into forensic accountancy which is a combination of economics and law. Having A level law, which has really developed my logical thinking and attention to detail, will be useful in my future career.

Woodhouse has always been renowned for its academic success. I like that I’m constantly being pushed academically - and to try my upmost best.

Law continuously challenges your moral compass and your understanding of the law. It’s a great subject - 10/10 - would deffo recommend!"

LEO

Mill Hill County High School

"I enjoy how we learn about real life cases and how they create laws that impact us. It helps with my knowledge about the system that we live in, how it was built and how it continues to change.

I chose to come to Woodhouse because of it's reputation of high achieving students and also an enjoyable social life during A levels. I like how you get a good balance between freedom and discipline to help you achieve your desired grades.

Woodhouse has also been really helpful in the UCAS university application process, making it much easier for us students."

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