Course Information

Department Aims

The ethos of the department is to provide varied and enriching lessons, through a stimulating and enthusiastic approach to learning. The department aims to develop skills of critical evaluation, analysis, decision making and research in such a way to inspire students to succeed by engaging their interest in this vast subject that impacts on all of our everyday lives.

Expectations/Approaches/Policies

High standards are expected from pupils at all times in terms of both work and behaviour for learning. Pupils are expected to work autonomously, independently and most importantly as a team.  Teaching will aim to be innovative and will use a variety of teaching methods in order to suit all learning styles in the classroom.

Pupils are expected to maintain high quality written work in Law and will be expected to present work well with accurate spelling, punctuation, grammar (SPaG) and use of capital letters. Pupils are expected to correct any SPaG errors during dedicated improvement time.

Outside of the classroom pupils are expected to complete homework at the request of the teacher. This will generally be on a weekly basis and will take a variety of forms. All homework is available for pupils, parents and staff to access via Show My Homework. Failure to complete homework will result in pupils being given a first warning, followed by subsequent detentions if pupils fail to submit further pieces of work.

Marking and Assessment

Law is taught only at KS4 meaning that GCSE target grades will be used alongside formative assessment in order to maximise pupil progress. All pupils will receive a concept map in advance of each unit of work and they will be expected to reflect on achievement and progress for each section of the map. Pupils will receive regular written and verbal feedback on work; this will be content focused and will have an emphasis on improvement and development.  Marking will be based on WWW and EBI. Specific attention will be paid to the accuracy of legal authority and pupils will always be challenged to improve work where mistakes are made. DIT will be used regularly in Law and pupils will be encouraged to form positive habits where they become reflective learners who understand the importance of dedicated improvement.

Exams taken

Qualification Type: GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

Pupils will study for two exams which are broken down into Unit 1 and Unit 2.

Unit 1 will look at the English Legal System and will contain 90marks, which is worth 50% of the GCSE. This will be a written paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. Pupils will answer all questions from Section A and one from a choice of two questions in Section B.

Unit 2 will look at Law in Action and will contain 90marks, which is worth 50% of the GCSE. This will be a written paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. Pupils will answer two questions from a choice of four. 

Extra-curricular activities

Pupils are expected to take part in a court visit to both a Crown Court and a Magistrates Court. This is done in the October half-term to coincide with our work in the classroom looking at the court structure.

Pupils may be offered the opportunity to visit London where it is hoped they will be able to visit the Houses of Parliament, the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice.

Pupils may be offered the opportunity to take part in a Parklands style Mock Trial where they will be pitched against a team from another class to take part in a trial.

Books

Martin, J. (2012) GCSE Law, 5^th Edition. Oxon: HODDER Education.

Jones, A and Page, T. (2009) GCSE AQA Law. London: Nelson Thornes Ltd.