We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form students, who achieved outstanding success at the first-ever GDST Mock Trial Competition.
Hosted by Sydenham High School at the GDST offices, the event brought together six schools from across the GDST: Sydenham High School, Streatham and Clapham High School, Redmaids’ High School, Norwich High School, Sheffield Girls’ and Newcastle High School.
Following weeks of meticulous preparation in their Forging Futures enrichment sessions, our teams – comprised of Aimen, Elsa, Anna, Melissa, Riya, Chloe, Elisha, Ella and Annabel – successfully navigated the various roles, from barristers to witnesses, showcasing strong preparation and effective courtroom skills. After a close final round, we are delighted to report that our team won the jury verdict in all three trials and were crowned inaugural winners of the competition!
Teacher of English, Patrick Nabarro, commented: “I am so proud of our team for proving victorious against many of the other trust schools. Not only were they the unanimous choice of the professional judges, but they gained the student jury vote in each of their cases too. An outstanding performance across all three trials from our nine mock trialists!”
The GDST Mock Trial programme is a key part of our Forging Futures Sixth Form enrichment offer, designed to equip students with the personal qualities, confidence and transferable skills increasingly sought after in university applications and future careers. During the programme, students explore the structure of a criminal trial, adopt different courtroom roles and refine their public speaking, research and debating skills.
Huge congratulations to our brilliant team, and well done to all students from across the GDST for their commitment and enthusiasm. Our thanks also go to Sydenham High School for hosting such a valuable and inspiring event.
