This weekend saw the Nottingham regional heat of the Citizenship Foundation Bar National Mock Trial Competition for schools, co-ordinated by Laura Clarke of Nottingham BPTC and Shaun Smith QC of No.1 High Pavement.
Eight schools from the region represented by Abbot Beyne, Nene Park Academy, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Ashfield School, Montsaye Community College, Kesteven and Grantham Girls School, The Ecclesbourne School and John Taylor High School competed in a round robin series of mock criminal trials at Nottingham Crown Court. Students acted as Barristers, Ushers, Court Clerks, Defendants, Witnesses and Jurors and the trials were presided over by Judges from No.1 High Pavement, Greg Dickinson QC, Stuart Rafferty QC, Shaun Smith QC and Laura Pitman.
Wigs and gowns were very kindly provided by members of the Nottingham Bar, enabling the students to participate in a completely realistic setting.
The event showed once again the never ending fascination with criminal trials and the level of advocacy and acting ability of the pupils was exceptional.
The final between Nene Park Academy and Kesteven and Grantham Girls School was presided over by The Recorder of Nottingham HHJ Michael Stokes QC and the winners Kesteven and Grantham Girls School will now compete in the National Finals.
No.1 High Pavement is proud to be associated with such an enjoyable and worthwhile event and would like to thank HHJ Stokes QC for taking the time to come and judge the final. Good luck to Kesteven and Grantham in the National finals.
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