Inverness pupil’s mock court experience inspires law career

Pupils from Duncan Forbes Primary School in Inverness attended the School Mock Court Junior Project Finals in Edinburgh last week (Tuesday 4th June).

The pupils from P6 and 7 entered the School Mock Court Junior Project where they tried a court case in Inverness Sheriff Court on 12th March. It was the first time schools (Balloch Primary and Duncan Forbes Primary) in Inverness have ever taken part in the Project. 

The pupils completed 3 cases where they had to prepare evidence, investigate the case and either act as prosecution or defence.  Pupils also had to make their own cloaks, be witnesses and learn a script, cross examine witnesses, submit all relevant paperwork for external assessment, and act as court journalists and court artists.

The Project team were delighted to receive entrants from the Highland region, a new authority to add to their Juniors Project. The Duncan Forbes Mock Court team were invited to Edinburgh to attend the finals where they watched four schools try a case in front of the audience.  The team were delighted to be presented with awards in Journalism for P7 Defenders and Artistry for P7 Pursuers. The school choir also had the opportunity to perform during the award ceremony. 

Whilst it was a daunting project for the school staff and pupils to take on for the first time, the experience and benefits brought to the pupils was inspirational, so much so that the school have already signed up to do it again next year. 

Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of the Care, Learning and Housing Committee, said: “We have again succeeded in bringing unique learning experiences to our children where exposure to career experiences drives pupil aspiration and ambition.  This was a brilliant experience for our pupils, many of whom said they would now like to pursue a career in law.  The Council is committed to supporting pupils to continue to develop their knowledge, skills and experience, regardless of age or background.”

For more information about the School Mock Court Project please see https://www.mockcourt.org.uk/