Firm news
Local Lawyers sent back to School! - 10th October 2011
Lawyers from local law firm Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP have been visiting Biddenham Upper School to talk to two groups of Year 10 students about the law and how it affects them. By the end of the 6 week period, the volunteer lawyers have been into school on a number of occasions to facilitate discussions and debates on a range of topics including Employment Law, Human Rights and the Powers of the Police.
Philippa Lockhart, a teacher at Biddenham Upper School said “thescheme has really engaged the students and has deepened their knowledge through the experience and expertise of the volunteer lawyers. The students have enjoyed the lawyers coming into their lessons and delivering the sessions”
In the sessions, the volunteer lawyers directly delivered elements of the National Curriculum subject Citizenship, developing the young people’s awareness and understanding of the law. The discussion-based activities quickly highlight how passionately young people can articulate their views on the issues that affect them and those around them. By hearing what others have to say, the students critically assess their own views and perceptions of how the world around them operates and why certain laws exist. These sessions are often the first time that young people have had the opportunity to discuss their thoughts on the law, justice and democracy.
Yusef Atta, a student at Biddenham Upper School who has been part of the scheme said “It has been a great change to have a more involving way of learning about our justice system, I have really enjoyed the discussion and debate! I think I have learnt more through this experience than I would have done with a text book”
The volunteer lawyers are taking part in a scheme called Local Lawyers in Schools which has been developed by the Citizenship Foundation, an independent educational charity which exists to engage young people with the law, democracy and society. Dr Tony Breslin, Chief Executive of the Citizenship Foundation said “Through a range of programmes we have been connecting schools and legal professional for twenty years and are delighted to see our Lawyers in Schools materials being used across the country by organisations that recognise the importance of supporting their local community. Having real life lawyers in the classroom really helps to bring the law to life and engage the students with the world around them”
Claire Yates, a volunteer lawyer from Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP, has been working with the students at the school and said “the scheme has been an enjoyable form of voluntary work. It has been great to be able to use my legal knowledge to bring the law to life by showing the students how it can be relevant and useful to their everyday lives. It has been rewarding to see the students interact with the volunteers and express their views on the topics that have been discussed”.
The volunteer lawyers hope to be able to continue delivering these sessions at Biddenham Upper School over the next year.
