Year 10 students from Hove Park School took part in a criminal law advocacy competition at Sussex University Law School with pupils from three other local schools.
The students worked with Sussex academics, from the Law School, as well as industry professionals, developing and delivering their own defence and prosecution speeches around a mock case.
The inaugural event took place over two days, a fortnight apart, the university said. Students learnt tips and tricks from the experts around presentation skills and effective communicate in court, before returning on day two to compete for their school.
The contest was organised by academics from the Law School and the Widening Participation team to give a taste of studying law at university to students from under-represented backgrounds.
The university said: “Student and teacher feedback alike was positive, with one student commenting: ‘Thank you so much. This was one of the best trips I have been to.’ And another saying: ‘I learnt that if I prepare well and have courage I can do anything, however nervewracking it is.’
“Due to the success of the event, plans are already in place to hold a second competition, giving more deserving students the chance to take part.”
The Hove Park students were joined by pupils from Sackville School, St Catherine’s College and the Sir Robert Woodard Academy. Sackville School won the competition on the day.
