Year 12 Law Students Explore Studying Law /University Life and the Criminal Courts
The Year 12 Law group enjoyed an insightful day in Birmingham on a trip organised by Mrs Nurse, giving students the chance to experience both university study and the reality of criminal law in action.
The morning was spent at the University of Birmingham, where students were welcomed by the Head of Law at the University before heading into a bespoke introductory lecture on psychiatric harm in Tort law. This gave students a valuable taste of the academic depth and analytical thinking expected at should they continue law as a career path.
The highlight of the morning was a lively advocacy role play workshop, in which students practised questioning techniques and courtroom communication skills. This saw Mrs Nurse taking on the role of witness to the great amusement of the group. It was fantastic to see our students get a deeper understanding of how legal arguments are constructed and challenged.
After the workshop, students explored the university campus and facilities, taking time to reflect on the type of post‑16 pathway they might pursue. For some, the visit offered clarity about whether university life might be the right next step after Year 13.
Following a well earned lunch at Grand Central, the group made their way to Birmingham Crown Court, one of the busiest legal courts outside London. Students were able to sit in several public galleries and observe real criminal trials to help them learn about the criminal justice system. They witnessed proceedings involving the sentencing of different defendants for Robbery and Sexual Offences, as well as the closing speeches made to the jury following an armed shooting incident. The whole experience allowed students to see the roles of judges, barristers, solicitors, and court staff in action.
The visit also helped students distinguish between summary, either way, and indictable offences, and understand how each type of case progresses through the courts. Seeing live trials was a fantastic experience and helped their understanding of key topics in their A‑Level course.
Mrs Nurse would like to thank all the staff at Birmingham University and the Court Staff at Birmingham Crown Court who were extremely welcoming to our students. A big thank you goes to Miss Arif for accompanying her for the day.
