Bolton: Eden Boys' School visit Manchester courtroom

Eden Boys’ School pupils travelled to a Manchester courtroom where they took part in courtroom re-enactments which saw them play the roles of the different parties in the process.

Working alongside real-life judges, the boys’ eyes were opened to the array of career opportunities the courtroom has to offer, while learning about the rule of law and the justice system.

Wahida Zaheem, director of learning at the school, said: “The boys found the experience very enjoyable. They were able to experience what it would be like to work in this area of law.

Eden Boys' School pupils (Image: Judicial Office)

“The whole experience was an incredible opportunity for pupils to see how the justice system operates in the UK.

READ MORE: Eden Boys' School pupils to take part in courtroom experience

“They were fascinated by the behind the scenes work that goes into bringing a case to court. It gave them an opportunity to envisage what it would be like as a minority working within the justice system and showed them what could be achieved if they worked hard. 

“Student’s each took on the role of all areas of the justice system. They played the role of defence barrister, prosecutor, judge, jury, and offender.”

Almost 300 pupils from across the region took part and was organised by the judges and the National Justice Museum.

Wahida added: “They were informed of the entry requirements and career pathways into the justice system in all areas of expertise. It inspired the pupils to aspire to work hard to achieve the grades needed to and gave them career guidance for a career in this field.

“These opportunities to learn outside of the classroom are so incredibly important for our students. I am incredibly grateful that our students were given this chance to experience the workings of the justice system, showing them pathways into new careers that many may not have previously thought about.”

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Eden Boys' School pupil dressed as a judge with District Tribunal Judge Mark Angus (Image: Judicial Office)

District Tribunal Judge Mark Angus, who arranged the event with Gill Brailey and Kath Downs of the National Justice Museum, said: “It is vitally important that our communities know more about the judiciary and the functions of those parties who make up the justice system. The students were extremely impressive with their thoughtful questions and the manner in which they participated in the mock trials.

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“The aim was to reach, support and encourage a much wider range of students from a younger age and more diverse backgrounds to understand that a career in law and even the judiciary is achievable for everyone.”