Head of Department: Miss Martin

What is Law?
At both a national and international level, the law faces unprecedented challenges in the early years of the 21st century which makes it an extremely dynamic subject to study. The AS Law course that we offer is rigorous and interesting, and covers a wide range of topics. Students will gain an understanding of the English legal system and sources of law. This includes how the civil and criminal courts work, the nature of European law, sentencing issues, legal personnel, precedent and key legislation. "Law is all about dull books and outdated legislation!!" Well, in some places it might be, but at Sandhurst we view the law in a very different light. Here, emphasis is placed on understanding the law, not just learning it - as such, you are encouraged to take responsibility for your own work, and to investigate things which interest you, as well as the compulsory material. Teaching is primarily by tutorial class, but there will be some discussion groups and individual set tasks.

What qualifications do I need to take the course?
We expect you to have at least a Grade C or above in either English Language or Literature and to have taken one other essay based GCSE. We would like you to have strong essay writing and research skills and most importantly an enquiring mind, enthusiasm and a willingness to keep up with current affairs.

Is Law for me?
Law is great because it is an extremely relevant subject; it is about what is happening in society now. Because law is current it affects everything we do and so studying the subject will be useful to whatever you decide to do in the future.
But the study of law is not always easy. You need to be prepared to read around the subject and as the AS and A2 courses are completely exam-based you will prepare written assignments and practice a variety of essay based skills. You will learn about many cases which are relevant to your studies and will be used to support your essays.

How will I learn?
We know that people learn in many different ways and so try and present the knowledge you need using different styles and techniques. You will find that classroom lessons and note taking are broken up with discussions, problem solving and DVDs to help reinforce learning. Visits to course, a local police station and law conferences will help further your understanding. You will also be asked to undertake individual research, making use of various resources including e-lawstudent.com. We believe that enjoyment is the key to effective learning, so although your study is taken very seriously we hope you will find it fun too.

How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed in two main ways at both AS and A2: essay questions and problem based questions. There is no coursework.

And after the course?
Our primary aim is to provide you with the skills and confidence that will equip you to enter Higher Education or the many different spheres of employment. Life in the Sixth Form will face you with many challenges, not least of which is the change from school to college-based learning. Once here, you will find you have to take far more responsibility for your own education than was expected lower down the school. We want to educate you to become an independent learner. Students say that the structured and analytical approach required for Law has helped improve their essay writing skills in all subjects, preparing them for the possibility of university. If you are planning to go to university Law is a well respected A level to offer and it supports many degree subjects such as Accounting, Business, Criminology, Languages, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology and Journalism too.