Xaverian College Law students once again took competed in the Bar Mock Trial Competition. Organised and delivered by the national Young Citizenship foundation, students competed against twelve institutions across Greater Manchester in Minshull St Crown Court.
The Mock Trial Competitions are the Young Citizens longest-running active learning experiences. Since 1991, they’ve
provided unparalleled exposure to the judicial system, its venues and access to senior legal professionals. Each year they help tens of thousands of young people experience what it means to be an active citizen. This could be through taking part in our various educational resources or many citizenship experiences. They also campaign for those in power to recognise that democracy cannot flourish unless everyone has the opportunity to learn how to become a citizen. They were instrumental in getting Citizenship into the national curriculum as a statutory subject.
The day was a culmination of months of preparation from our student barristers and witnesses. Our eight individuals concerned have given up their free time every week since June, they even came in during their summer holiday, such was their dedication. As a result, we came 5th on the day and given the level of competition and experience of other teams, our team should feel extremely proud.
Students have been working with our Barrister Mentor Fiona Clancy of Exchange Chambers. Fiona consistently remarked that the advocacy skills of our students would not be out of place for some of the trainee barristers she mentors as part of her job. The students were asked to prepare questions for their examination in chief, prepare for the cross examination of opposition witnesses and were to deliver opening and closing arguments for their cases. The judges presiding over the three rounds were extremely positive in their feedback of our performance stating that the 
students were confident in their delivery, thoroughly prepared for their cases, posing challenging questions in their cross examination.
This competition remains a welcome opportunity for our students to develop their advocacy skills and make amazing friendships. Auditions for the 2020 competition will begin in February with all Law students given the opportunity to compete for a place on the final 8. This year’s cohort have agreed to help out with auditions to provide guidance to the successful students.
Well done to Xaverian Mock Trial team! Pictured (right): Paige Russell, Mia O’Gorman, Hannah Thompson, Bethany Fraine, Josh Bridgeman, Nimaat Kausar, Molly Stringer and Bonita Rostron.
