This course is specifically written for the GCE Law (AQA) 2160. The new format of the examinations will come into force in January 2009 for AS level and 2010 for A2.
At AS level there are two units for the course and a further two units for A2 specification.
The AS examination may be taken as a stand alone qualification or followed by A2 to constitute a complete A Level.
For further details on the syllabus please visit the AQA website at www.aqa.org.uk and click on new GCE’s and law. On the site there are specimen papers, student guide and resources.
Law can be a challenging subject, it has its own terminology which has to be learned and new terminology is explained in a clear and logical manner throughout the course with appropriate references to the text book.
Also, learning case law can be challenging. Case law consists of cases previously decided in courts of Law. It is important that the facts of these cases are learned as they will have to be known for examinations. It is better to learn these as the course progresses.
The course is divided into two units as required by the AS syllabus. Each unit of the Course corresponds exactly to the requirements of the new syllabus. To ensure all required topics are covered each unit is divided into topic areas.
In each topic area there are some activities, some web based research, self assessment questions and tutor marked assignments. These are assignments you prepare and submit to your tutor for marking. There are ten assignments (10) in all for AS (Assignments A–J)
Each topic area will state the aims to be achieved and what you can expect to know at the end of the topic
The plan for Unit 1 of the course is as follows:
You will need a text book to assist you throughout the course. The recommended text book for AS is AS Law by Bobby Vanstone, Mary Charman and Liz Sherratt published by Willan. At the time of writing there is not a specific book published for the new format of the examinations but no doubt these will be available later. The text book is an essential part of this course and will be referred to throughout the course. The text book contains useful activities and specimen papers
For the contract module, the recommended text book is Unlocking Contract Law by Chris Turner Published by Hodder Arnold. This book also has a complimentary web site. For further details visit www.unlockingthelaw.co.uk or Contract Law by Mary Charman published by Willan Publishing.
There is no course work required for this course and assessment is by examination for each unit as follows:
The method of assessment for this examination is by way of one written paper of One hour thirty minutes. The weighting for this paper is 50% of total AS or 25% of total A Level marks.
In the examination, candidates must answer three questions from eight, one from Section A - Law making, one from Section B - The Legal system, and one from either section. Each question is in three parts and the complete question must be answered. Each part of the question is worth 10 marks, totalling 30 marks for the whole question. Total marks available are 95% which include 5% for good use of vocabulary including legal terminology and presentation and quality of written communication.
For Unit 2, assessment is by way of a written paper of One hour 30 minutes.
Candidates are required to answer two multi - part questions based on problem scenarios. There is a compulsory question from Section A and the other question may be taken from either Section B or Section C. Each section has a maximum of 45 marks. There is an additional 5 marks available for quality of written communication (QWC)
For A2 the syllabus specification further develops knowledge of the English Legal system and of substantive law through both criminal and civil law.
Again, the course is divided into the two required units; 3 and 4. The course is then divided into topic areas which closely follows the syllabus requirements as in the AS course.
In each topic area there are some activities, some web based research, self assessment questions and tutor marked assignments. These are assignments you prepare and submit to your tutor for marking. There are twelve assignments in all for A2 (Assignments 1 -12)
Each topic area will state the aims to be achieved and what you can expect to know at the end of the topic.
For unit 3 there is a choice of Criminal Law or Contract Law. Although in the examination you are you only required to cover one area, either criminal law or contract, you might like to study both areas and then decide which to specialise in. Alternatively if you are fast tracking you may wish to cover one area.
The biggest difficulty is the required learning of the many cases. The course makes suggestions for learning these and explains cases in a straightforward way.
Assessment is by way of a written paper of One hour 30 minutes in length. Candidates have to answer one three part question on either Criminal Law or Contract law. Each part of the question is worth 25 marks. 5 additional marks are available for QWC. The weighting is 50% of total A2 or 25% of total A Level marks.
Assessment is by way of a written paper of 2 hours duration. Candidates must answer one two part question on either Criminal Law or the Law of Tort, and one essay question on Concepts of Law. Sections A and B are worth 50 marks, Section C carries 30 marks. There are up to 5 additional marks available for quality of written communication. TOTAL marks 85. This examination is available in June only.
Please note that this syllabus for A2 does not come into force until 2010 so if you are considering fast tracking this course you may wish to take your examination on the old syllabus which is valid until 2009; for further details please visit AQA web-site on www.aqa.org.uk
Recommended text books for unit 3 and 4
AQA Law for A2 – Jacqueline Martin, published by Hodder Arnold 2007Criminal Law for A2 Jacqueline Martin, published by Hodder ArnoldKey Facts: Criminal Law Chris Turner, published by Hodder ArnoldFor Contract Law – Unlocking Contract Law (second edition) – Chris Turner, published by Hodder Arnold orContract Law (fourth edition) Mary Charman – Willan Publishing.
It is not necessary to have any legal knowledge before starting this course, however, if you have GCSE Law or have completed the Diploma in Law this would greatly assist your studies.
All the topic areas need to be studied, although if you have some prior legal knowledge, topic area 1 – the introduction to law can be quickly completed.
Approximately 300 hours.
AS/A2 - A level in Law. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.
Specification: AQA (Full A Level) 2160, AQA (AS) 1161 and AQA (A2) 2161
Learning documentation, Online Resources and Tutor support for 2 years.
Please note that this course is available in online format only. You will need to have one of the following packages to access your course online:
Windows: Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista - Acrobat Reader 8.0 and aboveMacintosh: Mac OS X, Mac OS 9.2 - Acrobat Reader 8.0 and above
As an A Level student you will have access to our online 'Common Room', where you are able to receive the latest course updates, extra materials and information. You will also be able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.
Once enrolled, your username, password and personal College Student number will be emailed to you within 5 working days, which will give you access to your course materials via the ‘Common Room’.
The full A Level will be a 2 year course, AS Exams to be taken in 2009 and A2 in 2010. Due to Examination Board restrictions, there is no flexibility to complete this course any sooner.
Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
www.aqa.org.uk
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