Advanced Subsidiary (AS) & Advanced GCE (A2)
LAW
Law is a fascinating subject to study. It is challenging to the mind, and very demanding. It offers a
tremendous insight into our legal framework. Since laws affect every member of our society, it is
desirable that we all know and understand our legal system. Studying law at this level offers the
student to develop an appreciation which is competent and thorough. Universities and employers
consider a qualification in Law very prestigious.
What are the Entry Requirements?
GCSE C grade or above in English since a high standard of written English is expected.
How is the course structured and taught?
Year 12 : AS LEVEL UNITS
This is a ‘stand-alone’ qualification and also the first half of the corresponding Advanced GCE. The AS GCE
is made up of two mandatory units which are externally assessed and form 50% of the corresponding 4Unit Advanced GCE
Unit G151
The English Legal System
Areas studied include: Civil Courts; Alternative Methods of Dispute
Resolution; Criminal Process; Criminal Courts; Penal System;
Judiciary; The Legal Profession; Lay People in the Legal System;
Provision of Legal Services.
Unit G152
Sources of Law
Areas studied include: Doctrine of Precedent; Legislation; Statutory
Interpretation; Law Reform
Year 13 : A2 LEVEL UNITS Leading to a Full A LEVEL
The Advanced GCE is made up of the two mandatory units at AS and two further units at A2. These units
are also externally assessed. Criminal Law is the focus of study
Unit G153
Criminal Law
Areas include: Principles of Criminal Liability; Actus Reus; Mens
Rea; Strict Liability; Attempted Crimes; Murder; Manslaughter;
General Defences; Non-fatal offences against the Person; Theft;
Burglary; Robbery; Criminal Damage
Unit G154
UNIT 3B – Criminal Law Special Study
This unit is based on pre-released materials contained in a special
booklet and which provide a starting point for the study of topics set.
The sources therein indicate the area(s) of substantive law which
will be tested in the examination.
How is the course assessed?
AS UNIT G151 30% (Marks 120) 2hrs.
Structure: Two sections. Answer at least one from each. Essay and Application style questions.
Requirements: Answer four questions.
AS UNIT G152 20% (Marks 60) 1hr.
Structure: Two source-based questions.
Requirements: Answer one question.
A2 Unit G153 30% (Marks 120) 2hrs
Structure: Three sections. Answer one question from each. Essay, Problem Solving and Objective
style questions.
Requirements: Answer all three questions.
A2 Unit G154 20% (Marks 80) 1.5hrs
Structure: Consists of questions on source material.
Requirements: Answer all three questions.
Examination Board
OCR
What Higher Education or career opportunities will it lead to?
Qualifications in Law can lead students to consider further studies (e.g. LLB, Criminology, Forensic
Science and Criminal Psychology). Law is a highly competitive field. Standards at university can
be very high. Not every student who studies Advanced Law necessarily progresses to a Law
course at university. Nevertheless, it is an excellent qualification to have in its own right. In terms
of those students who prefer to continue with law, our 'track record' is good, with a considerable
number going on to study law at Cambridge, Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria. Whatever
your ambitions, a qualification in law opens up to a wide range of career opportunities including
the legal profession (solicitors and barristers), the police, social work, probation officer,
criminologist, forensic scientist and so on.