National Justice Museum Education

Pupils from Moorgate Primary School in Bolton recently took part in a brand new educational workshop with the National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL) at the Moot Courtroom at the University of Bolton. This two hour Law and University Life courtroom workshop helps school children to develop a deeper understanding of the law and raises awareness of higher education options.

The aim of the visit was for students to enhance their knowledge of the court system and to help pupils to understand ‘British Values’ such as law and democracy.

The group learnt more about rights and responsibilities including the age of criminal responsibility. Madison, a Year 5 pupil at the school said: “I found the role play interesting”. Callum, also in Year 5 said “I liked being the prosecutor and acting it out”.

The NCCL deliver legal education workshops in courtrooms across the UK including Manchester and the North West, working with groups of all ages including university level and even adult education. Workshops enable people to gain a practical understanding of the law and justice system and its related history, so that they can be inspired by their rights and responsibilities, to play an active role in society.

Kath Downs, Learning Manager for the NCCL Courts of Justice Programme in the North West commented: “Our courtroom learning activities are based on real trials and help empower young people to live and work within the law. The group really engaged in debating the verdict of whether the defendant on trial was guilty or not guilty.  Throughout the session they asked well thought out questions and took an active part in the role play, playing the different roles very realistically and enthusiastically. By participating in this activity, Moorgate Primary School were able to demonstrate a high level of understanding of the consequences of actions and how the law affects them.”

Visiting this court within the University building provides an important opportunity for children to engage with local higher education institutions and to start thinking about future career choices from a young age.

Law and University Life is delivered by the National Centre for Citizenship and the Law at Bolton University and must be pre-booked. Please email learning@nccl.org.uk or see http://www.nccl.org.uk/?activity=law-and-university-life-primary-schools for more information. The workshop is available for both primary school, secondary school and college students and can include a guided exploration visit of the University campus during the afternoon session which is led by University staff.