News & Headteacher Blogs

The Magistrates Court Mock Trial Competition.

The Young Citizens' Mock Trial Competition has run since 1994 and each year involves more  than 4,000 students from schools all around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is a national competition for Year 8 and 9 students with Berkshire Heats and the Regional Final all held at Reading Crown court. School teams of between 12 and 16 students learn about the criminal  justice system by prosecuting and defending a realistic criminal case. It gives students a unique insight into how criminal courts operate. Many previous competitors have subsequently gone into a career in Law. 

‘We met at Reading Crown Court on Saturday 22nd March. The trial was based on a mock up trial, which we had several weeks to prepare for during our enrichment sessions and lunchtimes.  We were split into two separate teams.  One was defence, one was prosecution.  We had to dress smartly.  When we arrived, we were shown around, and we were allowed to use the six court rooms.  In the foyer, a Lady Justice of Appeal as well as a magistrate and a Deputy Chief of the Bench (the judge's boss) made a speech.’ George, Year 9

‘Overall, the experience of the mock trial was an enriching activity giving students an opportunity to express their confidence and intelligence of law as a subject.  Our time at Reading Crown Court began from the moment we arrived at the gates.  Coming into the court, with a warm welcome we were introduced to the atmosphere around us, along with many other groups of students from local secondary schools.  To summarise the trial itself, our school was highly successful and competing against other schools not only provided a boost to our confidence in public speaking, showing off our individual abilities and our sense of community about our school.  We would highly recommend this to other pupils in the way that it's the perfect introduction to law, influencing future careers and passions for those who are unfamiliar of this subject as a whole.’ Amelia, Year 8

We were very happy to be invited to attend and our team were impressive. Thank you to all our students who worked hard preparing for the event. What a great experience!

 

For more information: Berkshire Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Information