West Norfolk students impress in the US

Aspiring lawyers from a West Norfolk secondary enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when they travelled to the United States to showcase their talents in the world final of an international competition – making them the only contestants from the UK.

The team from St Clement’s High School in Terrington St Clement had already made it through a series of qualifying stages of the Mock Trial contest, winning the Regional Final in Norwich last year, before placing second in the National Final, which took place in London in March. This made them eligible to compete in the Empire Mock Trial World Championship, which was held in Chicago.

The nine Year 11 students campaigned to raise funds for the trip, successfully generating £7,500 to cover their costs.

“They had to compete in four mock trial rounds, as both Prosecution and Defence,” explained Eliza Bennell, who is Assistant Headteacher and Head of Science at St Clement’s and led the trip.

“In each round, we put forward three attorneys and two witnesses. As well as this, we sent one witness to another trial to compete with another team as per the Guest Witness role.

“During the trial, they gave an opening speech, cross-examined witnesses, and gave a closing speech. Each round lasted three hours.”

Launched by the Young Citizens charity in 1991 to improve young people’s understanding of the law, the annual Mock Trial competition sees over 2,000 students from state schools and colleges across the country participate.

It was the first time that St Clement’s, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, had taken part.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Team Captain and ‘attorney’ Olivia Simms. “I will always remember the feeling of being in court after all of our hard work and preparation.

“I am extremely proud of our team for how far we have all come, from the local courthouse in Great Yarmouth to the Federal Courthouse in Chicago.”

“Going to Chicago was an experience that I will never forget – I’m so grateful to be part of the team and its journey," agreed ‘timekeeper’ Finn Southerland, while ‘witness’ Lola Ward added: “The competition was a great event to enable me to talk to new people from different countries. It was definitely scary being questioned and cross-examined by other teams, but highly rewarding.” 

Forty-four different schools, from 15 different American states and five different countries, made it to the International Final in Chicago, including students from the USA, Canada, Ireland, and South Korea – as well as St Clement’s representing the UK.

The coveted trophy eventually went to Apple Valley High School from California, who were crowned Empire Mock Trial World Champions 2024.

“These competitions are a fantastic opportunity for students,” continued Mrs Bennell. 

“They give students confidence and the opportunity to visit another country and look at their legal system.

“As the only UK team taking part, they performed exceptionally, having to navigate differences in the USA legal system.”