OCR A-Level Law – H418
Course Leader: Georgia Bainbridge – georgiabainbridge@kba.uk
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?
A genuine interest in Law and current affairs is essential. Achievement in GCSE English will support success on the course, and all applications will be considered on their individual merits.
WHAT IS LAW?
The law shapes our everyday lives, protecting our rights, regulating behaviour and helping resolve disputes. But how do we decide whether a law is fair, and how does the legal system deliver justice?
A-Level Law explores these questions through criminal law, human rights, law making and the English legal system. You will investigate real cases, debate challenging issues and develop your ability to analyse problems, construct persuasive arguments and evaluate the complexities of achieving justice.
If you enjoy debating, solving problems and challenging the way the world works, A-Level Law is the subject for you.
WHY STUDY LAW AT OUR SIXTH FORM?
At our Sixth Form, you will study Law in a supportive and challenging environment, where you will be encouraged to question assumptions, debate different perspectives and evaluate the complexities of achieving justice.
You will develop your legal knowledge, strengthen your examination technique and learn to approach unfamiliar problems logically. You will also build valuable skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, giving you confidence to construct arguments and defend your conclusions.
Above all, studying Law will help you become a more informed citizen, with a deeper understanding of your rights and responsibilities within society.
WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?
A-Level Law is studied over two years and assessed through three equally weighted examinations at the end of Year 13. All three examinations take place at the end of Year 13.
Component 1: The Legal System and Criminal Law – 2 hours, 33⅓%
- The English legal system, including civil and criminal courts.
- Legal professionals and access to justice.
- Criminal offences, criminal liability and legal defences.
- Applying legal principles to realistic scenarios.
Component 2: Law Making and the Law of Tort – 2 hours, 33⅓%
- How laws are made and interpreted.
- Parliament and delegated legislation.
- Judicial precedent and statutory interpretation.
- The law of tort, including negligence, occupiers’ liability and remedies.
Component 3: The Nature of Law and Human Rights – 2 hours, 33⅓%
- The relationship between law, morality, justice and society.
- The Human Rights Act 1998.
- The protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
- The enforcement and restrictions of human rights law.
Throughout the course, you will explore real cases and legal debates, developing your ability to apply legal principles, evaluate arguments and understand how the law responds to changing society.
You will regularly practise applying legal rules to unfamiliar scenarios, explaining the significance of cases and legislation, and constructing balanced arguments in response to evaluative questions.
WHAT SKILLS WILL YOU DEVELOP?
A-Level Law is about much more than learning legal rules. It will help you become a confident, analytical and independent thinker.
- Critical thinking: Question assumptions, examine evidence and evaluate whether laws achieve justice.
- Problem-solving: Apply legal principles to unfamiliar situations, identify relevant issues and reach reasoned conclusions.
- Communication: Construct persuasive written arguments, explain complex ideas clearly and support your opinions with evidence.
- Research and independent learning: Absorb detailed information, understand legal terminology and organise your knowledge effectively.
- Evaluation and judgement: Consider competing arguments, recognise different perspectives and reach justified conclusions.
- Debating and discussion: Explore challenging issues, defend your position and respond thoughtfully to alternative viewpoints.
WHERE COULD A-LEVEL LAW TAKE YOU?
Many students choose Law because they are interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession. However, the opportunities extend far beyond the legal profession. An understanding of law and the skills developed throughout the course are relevant to a wide range of careers, including:
- Criminal justice and public services: Policing, probation, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Civil Service.
- Business and finance: Accountancy, banking, business management and human resources.
- Communication and society: Journalism, politics, teaching, social work and local government.
- Higher education: Degrees in Law and a wide range of other academic subjects.