Curriculum overview for BTEC Level 3 Law

Curriculum intent – the knowledge, understanding and skills that students will learn
Students will be given the opportunity to develop the research, communication, presentation, decision-making and critical-thinking skills valued by higher education. In addition, employers have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the legal sector. The learning programme covers the following content areas: dispute solving in civil law, investigating aspects of criminal law and the legal system and applying the substantive law of the fatal offences and offences against property, as well as to aspects of tort. Students gain problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology. Students develop intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation. Students gain interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development. The curriculum intends students to gain transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to higher education. The transferable skills that universities value include: the ability to learn independently, the ability to research actively and methodically, being able to give presentations and being active group members. Learners can also benefit from opportunities for deep learning where they are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study. A vocational context is provided in which students can develop the knowledge and skills required for particular degree courses, including: reading legal texts, effective writing, research skills, analytical skills, creative development and preparation for assessment methods used in degrees.

Curriculum implementation – teaching, learning and assessment strategies
The sequencing of this course is based around the examination periods for the externally assessed units (Unit 2 to be examined in Spring of Year 12 and Unit 3 examined in January of Year 13), as such Unit 1 & Unit 2 are taught alongside one another in Year 12, with Unit 3 teaching beginning after the Unit 2 exam allowing teaching of content to be completed with sufficient time for revision, practice and development of exam skills before January of Year 13. The final unit of coursework is completed in Spring of Year 13. Within each of the coursework units, the teaching for each learning aim is delivered prior to the students being given the opportunity to complete the Pass, Merit and Distinction tasks for that learning aim and this sequence is repeated for each learning aim within the unit. With the externally examined units, teaching follows the learning aims within the specification with theory being delivered and skills being taught and students then practising and securing these before moving on to the content of the subsequent learning aim. As this subject is assessed through a mixture of coursework and written examinations, students will face a range of assessment styles; coursework will be assessed by way of written report and within the examined units, students will tackle regular written assessments in the style of the examination in timed conditions. Students will also tackle regular low-stakes knowledge tests to consolidate the learning which has taken place. 

Curriculum impact – intended outcomes for students 
At Blackfen School, the intention is not to simply have young people studying Law at BTEC Level 3, but rather to create young people who have a genuine curiosity and love of the subject and may wish to continue their study in relevant disciplines after leaving Blackfen or use the skills and knowledge they have developed to enter the working world in an area of law. Students will develop their interest in and enthusiasm for Law and gain an understanding of a wide range of substantive laws, the structure of the English and Welsh legal system and the making of laws both by Parliament and the common law.

Course overview for BTEC Level 3 Law
Exam board: Pearson - (https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Applied-Law/2017/Specification/btec-l3-nat-ext-cert-in-applied-law-spec.pdf)
Coursework: Yes – 40%

Unit 2 - Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System
Internal assessment      
Window for assessment: Submission Autumn 2 Year 12

Unit 1 – Dispute solving in Civil Law
External assessment 
Window for assessment: Examined in Spring 2 of Year 12

Unit 7 – Aspects of Tort
Internal assessment    
Window for assessment: Submission Spring 2 of Year 13