We enjoyed a very special day at Charles Dickens Primary School in London on Tuesday 19 December. Charles Dickens is a special and unique school situated in the heart of London with a curriculum that reflects its multicultural community. CDP is part of The Charter Schools Educational Trust, a family of schools with the shared vision to transform lives through the power of inclusive education. Its ethos and values fit match our vision at All Rise which is to empower futures through our legal workshops and inspire children to dream big and believe that careers in professions like law are possible.
We delivered our workshop to 62 Year 6 children and they took part in a host of activities which gave them insights into the importance of the rule of law, law and democracy and the stepping stones to build a case ready for trial. It culminated in two mock trials where the jury (in a majority decision) decided that the Defendant was guilty of dangerous driving!
Following the workshop, the children provided us with plenty of wonderful feedback not only commenting on their enjoyment of the day but also saying that they would now consider a career in law. It was an incredible outcome to an incredible day. We cannot thank the staff and pupils for their help and support with everyone pulling together to make this a day to remember.
Are you interested in us attending your school? Find out more about our legal workshops for UK schools.
The All Rise Mock Trial workshop was brilliant from start to finish. A particular highlight was the activity where pupils analysed and ordered evidence based on how significant it was to a legal case. All of the activities were well organised and engaging and, as a result, pupils were motivated to collaborate and share their ideas effectively within their groups. All children felt confident to share their thoughts regardless of their prior knowledge of the legal system and many children stated that they had learnt a new fact about the justice system by the end of the day.
The Mock Trials themselves allowed the children to demonstrate their public speaking skills and empathise with an array of characters in role. It was wonderful for us as teachers to see certain children gaining confidence in their debating skills as the day went on. The children were really enthusiastic in their feedback and many mentioned that they had learnt something new about the legal system and how decisions regarding justice are made.
Gabi Spears
Assistant Headteacher
