The Island VI Form Mock Trial teams enjoyed both triumph and defeat in the revived Interschool Mock Trial competition, wonderfully hosted by Cowes Enterprise College this week and supported by experienced members of the legal profession.
After weeks of preparation and support from teachers, both schools fielded two teams of barristers, witnesses and courtroom staff and thoroughly rose to the occasion through the re-enactment of a court case concerned with a serious offence. The burden of proof is always with the prosecution teams, and consequently the Jury returned Not Guilty verdicts after weighing up the evidence put forward during both mock trials.
Island VI Form teachers Joe Cody and Vix Lowthion said “It was brilliant that both schools were able to provide this opportunity for our students. We thank Cowes staff for ably hosting the event this year and Tim O’Flynn and Nick Hayward for mentoring those who took part. Our teams of VI Form students were self-assured, well prepared and ready to think on their feet, and certainly have the skills to enter the legal profession in the future.”
The High Sherriff of the Isle of Wight, James Attrill, was also in attendance. “It was a brilliant event and I was lucky to have the opportunity to see it first hand. The students had clearly done a huge amount of preparation and they all took part in a very professional and confident way. Young people have had a tough time over the last 2 years and all credit to them for taking part.”
The Island VI Form offers an A Level in Law and an Applied Diploma in Criminology alongside many other opportunities for anyone looking to a future in the legal professions.
