Curriculum Intent for Social Sciences
The range of Social Sciences subjects (PSHE, Law, Sociology, Psychology, Politics) all have similar learning intentions; for students to understand more about human beings and how we make sense of the world around us; how and when we have personal responsibility for our choices and behaviours; how to live our best lives as individuals and as members of society, and to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons why as citizens we live in the ways we do and have the expectations we do. At its core, all Social Science is about people – how we function as individuals, and how we interact with others – so students develop an enquiring mind as to how they, and the rest of us do this – and how to do it better.
Click below to download the Curriculum map that shows a student’s learning journey throughout this subject at Finham Park School.
What topics do we study in Law?
The OCR Law syllabus covers many in depth topics. The three largest components of study involve Criminal Law (eg fatal, non-fatal and property offences) as well as criminal defences; Tort Law (eg including the law regarding negligence; and Human Rights law. Students also cover additional units looking at our legal system and processes (eg courts, and the people involved in UK Law) and also law – making, eg the role of Parliament, and the Doctrine of Precedent.
Why study Law?
Law is obviously a useful subject for those students who may wish to study Law at University, or who have future career aspirations in this area. In addition, Law suits those students with an interest in the workings of society and in current affairs and politics. The subject works well with other Social Sciences such as Sociology, Humanities subjects, and Business. You will develop useful skills including communication (discussion, debate, presentation etc), analysis, evaluation and research.
What are the requirements?
Good grades in English Language and Literature and / or Humanities subjects are helpful, but the most important attributes are a sense of commitment and a willingness to work hard at a subject that can sometimes be difficult at first. Law is a complex area and a great deal of specialist subject knowledge has to learnt, used and understood. You need to be highly organised and take an active interest in current affairs, in order to make connections between your learning and real legal cases.
Course outline:
Year 12
In 2021/22, Year 12s will study:
– Tort Law
– Legal System and Law Making
– Criminal Law
Year 13
In 2022/23, Year 13s will study:
– Criminal Law
– Human Rights Law
– The Nature of Law (Law and Morality, Law and Society, Law and Justice)
Please see Mr Ratcliffe or Mrs Nash if you require any further information about this course.