Applied Law (Level 3 BTEC)

Adventurous – A journey on a new subject gaining knowledge and skills to embark on potential new directions in law and law adjacent subjects for future study and employment as well as developing synergistic soft skills enabling law students to flourish in a variety of academic and work environments.

Challenging – With rigorous assessment and examination requirements, Law is arguably one of the most academic of our BTEC subjects. Students will need to retain a plethora of subject knowledge but with the ability to apply that knowledge in a variety of real-world legal situations under time pressure and develop a high level of analytic and evaluative writing to meet the needs of the rigorous coursework assignments all within a variety of written, presentation and industry related tasks.

Resilience – Even if our students decide against a career or further academic study in law, they will be equipped for life with a clear understanding of both Civil and Criminal law that will be relevant to their whole lives and in other careers where being able to stand up for the rights of themselves and others. Success and understanding of a new and challenging subject builds confidence in the self and sees our students taking higher education direction that they would not have thought possible for themselves before Vi form.

Curiosity – Coming naturally from studying an entirely new subject is the desire to learn more and approach adjacent topics such as Policing, Criminology and Sociology. This course fosters that curiosity allowing students to make informed decisions about future career and academic options beyond traditional subjects.

Independence – Independent study nurtures confidence in academic ability, meeting deadlines and completing real-world scenarios all useful transferable skills in the 21^st Century workplace. Skills such as analysis, problem solving, basic understanding of Law, conflict resolution and the ability to work under time pressure.

Community– Law brings a solid understanding of community and place in society which students can take with them into their lives. An understanding of justice, action v consequence and the ability to offer advice from a position of knowledge rather than opinion makes our Law students productive and useful members of their wider communities.

Applied Law is a course that is only available in the Sixth Form for Year 12 and 13 students. The course introduces the basics of the legal sector, such as court structure and the ways that Laws are made as well as aspects of criminal law, covering differences against true person and property like assault, murder, theft and fraud. The whole school vision is achieved by providing a curriculum that is -

Broad – The content of the course ranges from the hierarchy and structure of the legal system for both civil and criminal cases, funding and sources of legal advice to police powers and sentencing trends. The course will develop knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to careers in the legal sector from paralegal to coroner to law enforement and beyond applying high value transferrable skills such as research, presentation, appropriate communication and problem solving.

Stimulating –Are stop and search powers justifiable? Can any killing be considered lawful? Who should pay for legal advice and representation? Who decides what is legal? Students have the opportunity to consider questions like these alongside many other important issues that occur in society and the justice system. Students will gain confidence in their own lives with a good understanding of their own rights and responsibilities and need not fear engaging with the justice system.

Enjoyable – Students apply their knowledge to a wealth of realistic scenarios, challenging the status quo and arguing for their client. They have the opportunity to research and generate arguments on relevant topics and issues which affect them in a real world simulation - students are the lawyers.

Engaging – With guest speakers from across the legal sector and the opportunity to visit law schools and the Magistrates court, students have the opportunity to see their futures. This is supported with extensive careers focus in lessons to help students understand the real life application of the work that they are doing. Furthermore, students are required to write in a range of styles.  Into 2022 these may continue as virtual experiences rather than face to face.

Challenging – This course requires students to challenge their opinions and perceptions by considering a situation from a range of perspectives. Students are prepared for the demands of further education and employment through practice researching, building arguments, and meeting presentation requirements and deadlines. The assessment process replicates the experience of working with a client with some initial information given to stimulate research and then a full case study which students have to offer advice on using their research and knowledge. There is also an academic challenge in the work students do, encouraging them to debate and reason controversial, intellectual issues presenting clear, supported arguments.

Students have 5 hours each week

This subject is taught at Key Stage 5 only

Students will be assessed via coursework which will be presented in the form of

• Powerpoints
• Word Documents
• Leaflets
• Posters
• Or group presentations

Students are assessed via coursework and exams. 

Applied Law (Extended Certificate)

• Unit 1 - 1 x 90 minute exams (Year 12)
• Unit 3 - 1 x 2 hours exam (Year 13)

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GENERAL INFORMATION (USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS)

• Paper examination
• Range of questions from multiple choice to extended written answers
• Graded from U through to Distinction

CAREERS IN LAW

Solicitor 

• Provide advice and assistance on legal issues, they are the first point of contact for people and organisations seeking advice and representation
• Work in either law firms or ‘in-house’ at a company
• Role involves; meeting with clients, researching the relevant areas of law, drafting letters and contracts, representing clients in negotiations and tribunals
• The role will vary depending on the area of law in which the solicitor works eg. crime, corporate/commercial, employment, family, human rights, intellectual property
• Skills required; communication, research, presentation, organisation, time keeping and professionalism
• Trainee salaries range from £20,000 to £35,000 upwards with Partners earning around £75,000 upwards.

Chartered legal executives

• Non-degree based route into law, work through a series of apprenticeships.

• Qualified lawyer who is trained as a specialist in a particular area of law. They work alongside solicitors but also have rights of audience and can represent clients.
• Skills required; communication, research, presentation, organisation, time keeping and professionalism
• Starting salaries range from £15,000 to £28,000 with Executive Lawyers earning £35,000 to £55,000 upwards.

Usher

• Non-degree based role within the court.
• Prepare the courtroom, call defendants and witnesses, accompany the jury around the courtroom and pass messages between the judge and jury.
• Skills requires; communication and people skills, discretion and confidentiality, ability to follow instructions, assertiveness and tactfulness
• Salaries range from £16,000 to £19,000

Considering a career in law? Take a look at these websites to get you started.

LawCareers.Net | all about law careers

Law and legal | Explore careers (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk)

Current pupils can access Unifrog using their school email addresses.

Law and law studies : Subjects library (unifrog.org)

Criminology : Subjects library (unifrog.org)

Keyword: law : careers library (unifrog.org)