Each year a selection of Year 8 Seaton Sluice pupils are invited to take part in the Mock Trial competition based at Newcastle Crown Court. This year is no exception with preparations well under way and the event date set for Saturday 23 March.

The aim of the competition is to introduce children to the criminal justice system in an innovative way that both engages and inspires our young people. The pupils have even been lucky enough to work with a local magistrate who gave us a real insight into how a court works.

Pupils are currently working on a case based on the theft of an IPhone. Students have taken on a variety of roles including lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff in order to both prosecute and defend this specially-made case. They have created their own statements to present in court and the lawyers will need to cross-examine the witnesses on the actual day.