Hartlepool students take centre stage at mock trial

As part of the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition, 15 teenagers from Dyke House College’s Year 9 visited South Tyneside Law Courts, South Shields, as part of a project to develop legal education at the school, in partnership with Citizenship Foundation.

Even though Dyke House did not progress in the competition, the legal team made up of the college’s students, still won both cases after demonstrating excellent enthusiasm, teamwork and understanding of the legal system.

Chloe Middleton, 13, an usher in the competition, said: “By the end of the trial I was told by a judge that I should be an usher when I leave school.

“I will definitely consider a career in law when I leave school.”

The school’s head of law, Emily Proudlock, led the group with Daryl Henson, who planned and organised the sessions, working with the students every week in the months leading up to the competition.

Mr Henson said: “They showed amazing composure, displayed the ability to work well as a team and most of all, they all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.

“I think that most of them are now considering careers in law and A-levels in order to pursue this subject further.”

Dyke House’s head of college, Andrew Murphy, said: “Participating in the mock trial has been a fantastic experience for the students, enabling them to learn in a real-life setting.”