Law
Subject Intent:
OCR A Level Law is structured to give students both a foundational and analytical understanding of the English legal system and substantive areas of law. Its intent is not merely to introduce legal concepts in the abstract, but to develop the ability to evaluate how law operates in practice, how legal rules are created and interpreted, and how different actors within the justice system interact. Through units on criminal law, civil law, human rights, and the mechanisms of law-making and dispute resolution, the specification encourages critical reasoning, application to realistic scenarios, and the formulation of logical legal arguments. It also aims to cultivate an appreciation of the social, moral, and political contexts in which legal decisions are taken, preparing students for further legal study or for careers where structured analysis and argumentation are essential.
Subject Implementation:
The A Level Law course is run by the Citizenship department. Students who have studied GCSE Citizenship Studies are well placed to embark on this course and will already have some foundational knowledge. The course will normally be taught by two teachers who will split the course between them over two years. Student textbooks will support the course as well as a range of other material. Students should be willing and able to make detailed notes and have a folder to store these, alongside and reference material such as case studies.
Subject Impact:
Studying A Level Law can have several impacts on a student's academic development, professional orientation, and broader civic awareness. Academically, it builds facility in critical thinking, analytical precision, and structured written argument. The specification typically requires students to dissect legal principles, apply them to fact patterns, and evaluate judicial reasoning, which strengthens problem-solving skills valued across disciplines. Professionally, early exposure to legal method can inform decisions about pursuing law at university or entering related fields such as public policy, compliance, policing, or business. More broadly, studying law can enhance a student's understanding of how rights, responsibilities, and institutions shape social and political life, fostering informed participation in civic processes. Even for those who do not continue in the subject, the transferable skills in reasoning, communication, and decision-making can be durable and advantageous.
