Duchess School

The Law Department

A Level Law is certainly a stimulating and intellectually demanding subject and remains to be a popular subject choice of Sixth Form Students in DCHS. Students feel empowered by learning and understanding how many of the pillars of the justice system operate, function and importantly, relate to their lives.

The Law Department is commitment to developing students key learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to go on a number of visits during their studies at AS and A2. We currently offer visits to; Bedlington Magistrates Court, Newcastle Crown Court, The Old Bailey, The Royal Courts of Justice and Parliament, From these trips students are given the opportunity to contextualise their learning and meet people involved in administering the law. The Law Department also invites speakers to come into school to develop and enhance students learning. Namely; a local police officer and a local magistrate.

‘I have learnt lots of valuable things about the trial, pre trial hearings and bail applications…. I found the visit to Newcastle Crown Court very useful’
Sophie Cohen, Law student.

‘I have developed my knowledge of the legal system’
Rachel Tweddell, Law student.

‘For me, it gave me an insight into all of the processes each and every person in the trial has to go through…. The role play we did in class helped me but it was interesting to see how the real professionals proceed throughout the real life trials. These trips have helped me learn. It was a different experience and their were lots of features of the trial that we would not have appreciated if we had been in class’.
Vicky Hogg, Law student.

As well as those students wishing to pursue a career in Law, the A’ Level Law course provides an excellent and very academic addition to many students assemblage of courses. This provides a fitting qualification for very many vocations such as policing, insurance, social work, teaching, legal assistants, local government and many more.

‘Law is not just professional training. It is an academic discipline, having transferable skills which will be of benefit in a number of area. It involves analysis, synthesis and argument. We value A’ Level students’
Professor Phil Kenny, Head of Law at Northumbria University.

Our Aims

The aims of the course are to: provide a grounding in the main principles of English Law and their development; develop an understanding of legal method and reasoning; develop techniques of logical thinking, and the skills necessary to analyse and solve problems by applying legal rules; develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of law in society; develop the ability to communicate legal arguments and conclusions clearly and succinctly with the reference to appropriate legal authority.

As a department, we are driven to support our students in achieving their targets, developing their interest and desire to study Law. We want our Law students to feel challenged, accountable and valued as part of a growing and energetic department.

What’s on offer?

AS Law
A Level Law