Year 9 Smart Law Magistrates’ Mock Trial Competition
On Friday 29th April, a team of year 9 students competed in the Magistrates’ Mock Trial Competition run by Smart Law, a programme organised by Young Citizens. The competition was the result of weeks of preparation by the students who took on the all the roles of the court: magistrates, lawyers, witnesses, court adviser and usher. The defendant in the case was accused of setting up a fake Instagram account, using it to post derogatory images and messages about the claimant. In the lead up to the competition there were some lively lunch time debates regarding the guilt of the defendant and the credibility of the witnesses and their statements. PGHS competed against five other North West schools in the virtual trial, with each student performance given a score out of ten by the judges.
PGHS competed against five other North West schools in the virtual trial, with each student performance given a score out of ten by the judges. In both rounds of the competition the students performed superbly, however the team narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy by just one point!
In both rounds of the competition the students performed superbly, however, the team narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy by just one point! The students represented the school exceptionally well and quickly adapted to the virtual format, and the inevitable technical issues. As part of their preparations for the competition, the team were provided with expert coaching from Jack Troup, a Barrister working at the 15 Winckley Square Chambers. The students were provided with an opportunity to question the judges on how to pursue a career in law. The team are now looking forward to competing in the Bar Mock Trials next year and have their sights on victory!
Mr Herbert
Curriculum Leader for History
