Boost Your A Level Law Grades: The unique Law Study Journal 1 to Organize Study and Avoid Exam Cram
- netrespect
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 9
As the countdown to A Level exams begins, law students face the challenge of avoiding last-minute cramming. With only ten weeks remaining, now is the time to create an effective study routine. A solid plan will enhance understanding of key legal concepts and improve exam performance. This guide will explore how to organize study efforts using the "Avoid Exam Cram" study journal series, particularly focusing on Journal 1, which covers The English Legal System.
Understanding the Importance of Organization
The journey to exam success starts with organization. Many A Level Law students fall into the trap of last-minute studying, which often leads to confusion and anxiety. According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, students who implement organized study schedules perform 20% better in their subjects compared to those who don't.
Establishing a clear roadmap allows you to spread your learning over the weeks leading up to exams. This approach helps to digest complex legal concepts piece by piece, resulting in better retention and recall under exam conditions.
Introducing the Avoid Exam Cram Study Journal Series
The "Avoid Exam Cram" study - with a teacher created T.A.P.A.S Study Journal. Journal 1 is specifically crafted for A Level Law students. It covers all essential topics, in the English Legal System and nature of law for A level students, enabling systematic knowledge and skill development. Journal 1 focuses on The English Legal System, thoroughly exploring critical legal principles, landmark cases, and evaluations necessary for success in any A Level Law examination.
With modules on A01 (knowledge and understanding) and A03 (evaluation and analysis), this journal is an invaluable resource. Each section reinforces legal knowledge while promoting higher-order thinking, which is vital for achieving top marks.
Key Features of Journal 1
Comprehensive Coverage
Journal 1 covers the entire landscape of The English Legal System, including legal principles, statutory interpretation, and landmark cases. For instance, by studying key cases like Donoghue v. Stevenson (1932), which laid the foundation for the law of negligence, you prepare yourself for potential exam questions from various boards WJEC Eduqas, OCR, AQA, and BTEC., by building a solid AO1 Knowledge base, that you can recall, including

Interactive Elements
With integrated QR codes leading to past papers, students can practice recall and writing skills effectively. This feature transforms study sessions into an engaging and hands-on experience, enabling timed practice—a strategy that reduces anxiety during actual exams.
Evaluation and Analysis Tasks
The inclusion of A03 tasks encourages critical thinking. By evaluating and analyzing various legal principles, you enhance your understanding and prepare for higher-level questioning in exams. For example, working through a task that asks you to compare the effectiveness of two legal principles such as actus reus and mens rea can deepen your insight significantly.
Study Techniques to Avoid Exam Cram
Create a Study Schedule
With only ten weeks to go, creating an organized study schedule is essential. Break your time into manageable blocks that focus on different topics within Journal 1. For example, dedicate a week to statutory interpretation and another to landmark cases, ensuring that no topic is overlooked while systematically building on your understanding.
Utilize Active Recall
Active recall is one of the most effective study techniques. As you review the materials in Journal 1, close the book and write down everything you remember about a specific topic. Research shows that active recall can improve memory retention by up to 90%. This method ensures you understand the material, not just memorize it.
Join Study Groups with Legally Law Students
Collaborating with peers can provide new perspectives on complex legal concepts. Form study groups to discuss topics from Journal 1 and quiz each other on legal principles. Teaching others what you've learned is a powerful way to reinforce your understanding. A study found that students who teach others retain up to 95% of the material compared to just 5% when they learn passively.
Make Use of Practice Papers
As noted, the QR codes in Journal 1 link to past exam papers. Regularly practicing these will familiarize you with the exam format and help identify weak areas. This not only builds confidence but also reveals question patterns, which can be crucial for exam success.
Incorporating Time Management Skills
Time management is key to optimizing your study sessions. Here are a couple of techniques to consider:
The Pomodoro Technique
Use the Pomodoro Technique by studying in focused bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This method keeps your mind sharp and receptive to new information.
Prioritize Tasks
Not all topics are equally challenging. Use Journal 1 to identify challenging areas and allocate more time to them. This priority-based approach helps you address weaknesses proactively, leading to better overall performance.
Tips for Exam Day
Stay Positive, get sleep, hydrate and eat well
The mental aspect of exams is as important as your knowledge. Embrace a positive mindset leading up to exam day. Techniques like visualization can help. Imagine yourself confidently answering questions, which can reduce anxiety and improve performance.
Arrive Prepared
Pack everything you need the night before, including pens, identification, and snacks. Arriving at the exam center prepared will alleviate last-minute stress and help you focus on the exam itself.
Final Thoughts
As the A Level exam period approaches, recognize the need for organized study and solid preparation strategies. The "Avoid Exam Cram" study journal series is an essential tool for increased knowledge, confidence, and academic success. By adopting these techniques and following the structured approach outlined in Journal 1, you can enhance your understanding of The English Legal System and be well-equipped to tackle your exams.
The ten weeks leading up to exams are crucial. Embrace this time with confidence, a clear plan, and the right resources. You are not just preparing for an exam—you are building your future in law.
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