July 30, 2020
From your first class as an A-Level law student you will soon realise that studying law is hard. As an A-Level law student, I can confirm this is true – but that shouldn’t be a deterrent. Law is an extremely rewarding subject and by taking this at A-Level you develop skills which help you during your LLB degree and potentially lead you to top positions in the legal field. Going into your first year of studying Law can be daunting – but here is a rundown of what you can expect going into the course.

The Legal Profession

Pursuing a career in law requires dedication and hard work, and A-Level law is a great place to start. A-Level law helps you to understand the fundamentals of the law, and it can give you an insight into the different types of legal roles available and the skills required to become a successful lawyer.

Developing Your Legal Skills

To become a successful lawyer, there are certain skills that you need to develop. First and foremost, you need to have a strong understanding of the law and be able to apply it to different situations. It is also important to be able to communicate effectively with clients, the court, and other lawyers. You should also have excellent research skills, be able to think on your feet, and possess strong problem-solving abilities. Additionally, you should be organised and have good time management skills in order to efficiently handle a variety of cases at once.

The A-Level Law Curriculum

Across the different exam boards, there are four main topics of study. These are:

Law Making also features throughout the curriculum, as well as a choice between Law of Contract and Human Rights Law.

How A-Level Law Students are Assessed

A-Level law is a linear qualification, meaning that the exams are sat at the end of the course. This means that any topic in each section over the two years of teaching may appear on the exam paper.

Exam Structure

Across all three of the main exam boards, A-Level law students must sit three individual papers.

Each of these papers are divided up into two separate sections – section A and section B – these are weighted in percentages of 25% for section A and 75% for section B.

The maximum marks for each paper that can be awarded are 100, so section A of each paper is worth 25 marks and section B of each paper is worth 75 marks.

Question Structure and Exam Marks

Across the exam boards, there will be essay-based questions and shorter answer questions. The essay questions typically range from 25 to 30 marks, these require weightier analysis and application of the relevant law from a scenario evaluation and reform proposals of a certain aspect of the law.

There will also be shorter answer questions, that range from approximately 5 to 15 marks. These are typically focused more on the application of the law.

Less common would be the inclusion of one mark multiple-choice questions. These appear more so on AQA papers, and require you to select the correct answer following a statement of true or false, or a question about a particular aspect of the law.

Assessment Objectives

There are three assessment objectives (AOs) that are incorporated into the exams, and these measure knowledge, application and analysis.

AO1 explores the demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the English legal system and the subsequent legal rules and case principles.

AO2 focuses on the application element, particularly in scenario-based questions, and looks to assess the application of legal rules and principles to scenarios – alongside the use of legal vocabulary.

AO3 embodies evaluative components and the analysis and evaluation of such legal concepts.

How A-Level Law Students Can Prepare for the Course

A-Level law is a course that contains a lot of content, it covers many topics and requires plenty of revision and active learning to do well. The following are a few aspects that will help you in preparing for the course.

Prior Reading

If you are aware of the exam board that you will be with, it is a good idea to further research the exact details of the course under this exam board.

The key things to familiarise yourself with include:

  • The topics that you will be covering
  • The length of the exams
  • How much the marks from each paper contribute to the final grade
  • Recommended law books 
  • The types of questions you may come across in exams

If you are not sure of the exam board that you will be with, you can still research any of the topics mentioned above and read up on the basic legal principles to acquaint yourself with, so you go into the course with a basic understanding of what you will be studying.

Don’t Underestimate Regular Practice

Adequate preparation for any exam is the key to avoiding poor results. In the context of legal education, preparation boils down to lots of actual practice. Learning the material is one thing, but mastering its application takes an effective approach.

Prepare yourself for tests, create persuasive arguments, or even debate with fellow students on pertinent topics by asking yourself targeted questions. Doing so will help you feel more at ease and serve you well in law school and your future job.

A Level Law Revision

Revision Techniques

As with many other A-Level subjects, revising for A-Level law is important. It can often be daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start or how to go about it. There are many different revision techniques that can help you to succeed in your A-Level law course, and this article will explain some of these techniques in detail.

Flashcards are a great way of revising for A-Level law, as they allow you to quickly and easily review key law terms and concepts. Making your own flashcards can be really useful, as you can focus on the topics you are struggling with the most. Flashcards can also be used as a way to test yourself on what you have learned, as you can go through them as a quiz.

Mind maps are another great revision technique, as they allow you to map out and visualise the key points of law. Mind maps can help you to remember the material more easily, as it is easier to remember a visual representation than a list of facts.

Quizlets are also an effective revision technique, as you can use them to test your knowledge. They can be used to review key terms and concepts, and you can also use them to practice your essay writing skills.

Flowcharts are a useful way to break down and understand complex legal processes. They can also be used to review legal cases, and they can help you to remember the key points of the case.

Revising for A-Level law can be beneficial for many reasons. Firstly, it can help you to stay on top of the course material and ensure that you understand everything that you have been taught. Revising can also help you to identify any gaps in your knowledge, which you can then work on to ensure that you are fully prepared for the exams. Finally, it can help to boost your confidence before the exams, as you will have a better understanding of the topics and be more prepared for the questions.

Key Takeaways

A-Level law is a great place to start if you are considering a career in law. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of the law, and can help you to develop the skills that are necessary to become a successful lawyer. With a strong understanding of the law, the right qualifications, and the necessary skills, you can pursue a wide range of opportunities within the legal profession.

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