Later this month Leith Primary School will pitch themselves against pupils from St Timothy’s, Glasgow in the final of a mock court programme organised by Gerald Murphy of Chamberlain McBain at Central Halls on Lothian Road.
The Schools Mock Courts Project is designed to make learning a fun and immersive project for children. Murphy said: “The desire was to integrate a project into the schools that would surpass what is not ordinarily available to inspire students. In this instance, appearing before a real Sheriff in a real court, takes them away from the traditional classroom environment, and teaches the children a variety of skills they can keep with them for life.”
Children will be encouraged to use all kinds of skills from maths to artists, researchers and witnesses so all pupils will have the chance to take part.
This February, the project will be reaching new heights as Judge Ian Forrester from the General Court of the European Union, will sit for the finals on the 27th of February 2017. Travelling over from Luxembourg, he will join The Rt Hon Sir David Edward and The Hon Lord Iain Armstrong. Lady Dorrian, The Lord Justice Clerk, will be present the Mooting Cup.
The six schools in the final are :
- Kinnoull Primary P7 (Perth) v St Joseph’s P7 (Linlithgow)
- St Francis of Assisi (Glasgow) v High School of Dundee (Dundee)
- Leith Primary (Edinburgh) v St Timothy’s (Glasgow)
The Lord President, Lord Carloway commented: “The Mock Court Project is an excellent initiative, as it provides an opportunity for primary and secondary school pupils to learn about the role of the court within the justice system, and to develop their presentation and communication skills by appearing before real judges and sheriffs in a real court. I am pleased to express my support for the project, and hope that some of the young people who participate will be inspired to become solicitors, advocates and perhaps judges.”
The charity runs three primary projects (Lothians, West of Scotland and Tayside & Fife) and are about to extend the Seniors, currently running in the Lothians, to the West of Scotland.
Whilst the future of the education system may be facing uncertain times, one thing is for sure – programmes like the Mock Court Project will continue to inspire and enthuse the youth of Scotland to examine the legal system and develop their own skills in a more convivial way.
You can find out more about the project and its success on their website.
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