A Level Law Curriculum Overview
Law involves the endeavour to govern human interactions through a system of rules which impact our personal, social, economic and political relationships. The study of law is an inquiry into the nature of those relationships and the pursuit of equity. The law curriculum enables students to develop a thorough understanding of the role of law in our society and how the law impacts individuals. It also empowers students with clarity about their rights and responsibilities.
At Winchmore, the specification studied is AQA A Level (7162). Students study 10 lessons of law per fortnight and the components are taught in a manner which enables students to easily find links between topics. The department uses flipped learning as a method of teaching using Cornell notes. This means students complete designated reading and set pieces of written work at home with guidance and then come to the lesson fully prepared with knowledge. Consequently, a dynamic, interactive learning environment is created where the learners are encouraged to work on more complex, higher order skills in class developing a deeper understanding of the law and subsequently driving exam success.
The law A-Level is a linear course, meaning that there are no external exams until the end of the second year. The structure of all three exams for the A-level, enables students to show their breadth of knowledge and understanding of legal issues through a mixture of different question types including multiple-choice, short answer and extended response questions. Essay writing and exam practice for each of the questions is built into the curriculum for each topic covered to provide students with a sound knowledge of what is expected of them for each type of question from the very start of the course. Throughout the course, students are continually given opportunities to develop their analytical ability, decision making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. All these skills are highly sought after by higher education providers and employers.
We are guided by the exam awarding body’s specification since we are an examined subject. However, at Winchmore, the law is taught in a manner which makes the subject engaging and which seeks to meet the needs of all learners. We use a range of teaching and learning strategies and ‘everyday’ examples. We also invite guest lecturers, who are usually practising barristers and other experts in the legal field, to deliver a summary lecture at the end of particular units. This enables students to ask questions and gain a clearer picture of how the law works in practice. They also build links with members of the legal profession and gain the opportunity for work experience. Additionally, students have further opportunities to observe the law-making and application processes through visits to the Houses of Parliament, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey)