As part of the Year 4 Learning for Life curriculum and building on the successful inter-patrol debates, Year 4 put on a mock trial, based on a full case study, complete with court clerk, usher, judge, witnesses, jury, barristers, solicitors, court artists, court reporters as well as a public gallery. Every Year 4 child had a role and the meeting room was converted into an imposing crown court for the day!
The case involved an allegation of criminal damage (graffiti on a wall) with the Defendant (aka Charlie L-S) - sporting a very cool leather jacket for the day - vehemently denying the allegations. Witnesses presented their evidence, the barristers cross-examined, the judge banged his cavil, the public gallery was boisterous, the usher removed a friend of the Defendant waving his nerf gun around and poor old Charlie L-S was sentenced to six years of hard yakka! It was chaotic, great fun and a gentle introduction into a noble profession.
Mr Stewart, Year 4 teacher, who used to be a solicitor, said: "It was wonderful to see all the children involved in a dramatic spectacle and the rising tension as the jury’s decision got closer was very special. I spotted a good number of potential Rumpole of the Baileys!”
