`outstanding advocacy`: ugs 6th formers impress judges at crown court today

Head of Year 12 Mr Neale is proud to share news of the outstanding achievement today of our students from Years 12 and 13, who competed at the Paul Dockery Mock Trial competition at Manchester Crown Court.

Their brief was to prosecute and defend Marley Poppins, a babysitter who stood accused of theft, and Jean D'Arc, who was on trial for assault of a fellow actor. 

After weeks of committed preparation, for some Year 12s as part of their elective enrichment programme, they competed against fierce opponents; and our Sixth formers drew accolades from the judges, who singled them out for their `outstanding advocacy`, and made a point of bestowing especial praise on their `particular excellence and responsiveness`.  

But the judges were not only hugely impressed by our Sixth Form advocates, but by the witnesses they presented as well, in particular for their quick thinking and for their testimonies; not least from `Georgie Banks`, who was not at all cowed by the Judge, and proved themselves more than a match, and from Jean D'Arc, who tested all the prosecutors and examiners to the limit!

As Mr Neale (pictured above centre with some of the students) testifies:

"We are also incredibly grateful to our barrister helpers, Eleanor Gleeson & Huw Edwards, for assisting us.  Although we didn't win the competition, we managed to involve 20 students throughout the day, much more than other competitors.

All of these students have developed their understanding of the UK legal system, as well as their public speaking skills".

With huge thanks to Mrs Glen, Mr Harrison, Miss Lowe, and Mrs Wall for giving their time to help today, and a massive well done to the students involved. You are all amazing!

We are all so incredibly proud of them!