The National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL) provides education experiences designed to build a knowledge of the legal system. The experiences they provide allow pupils to actively engage with courtroom environments and to learn about the law, how to live within it and their roles and responsibilities as active citizens. The NCCL offer a variety of courtroom workshops for schools and groups to take part in based on real contemporary and historic trials including cyberbullying and robbery. 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.
A Year 3 group from Abbott Community Primary School in Manchester recently put Goldilocks on trial as part of a workshop delivered by the NCCL at the Greater Manchester Police Museum.
The Trial of Goldilocks experience teaches children more about the courts and the different career roles that work within the legal system, as they explore law and order in a safe way through a familiar fairy tale. They are also encouraged to think about consequences and the importance of honesty. In this particular activity, Goldilocks is charged with breaking and entering, breaking a chair (criminal damage) and eating Baby Bear’s porridge (theft). It is up to the pupils to decide if Goldilocks is guilty or not guilty as they are allocated roles in the trial and get into character with masks, wigs and robes. Goldilocks takes her position in the dock and pleads ‘Not guilty.’ The pupils hear evidence from both parties, conduct cross examinations and are then asked to reach a judgement. The jury reach a unanimous decision that Goldilocks is guilty and is consequently sentenced to buy a new chair for Baby Bear.
Vishakh, Year 3 commented “I liked being the judge sitting in the high chair where I could see everything”. The group were also joined by two local PCSOs from the City Centre- Gag Hare and Adam Harvey who were also involved in the role play, giving a character reference for Goldilocks in the witness box. PCSO Gag Hare told us “I wish I had this opportunity when I was at school, it’s good to be here and to help break down barriers as sometimes children can be scared of the Police.” The group also took a guided tour of the Greater Manchester Police Museum which includes an introduction to the arrest procedure and a visit to the cells.
At the end of the session, the group told the education team that they had learnt “never to do something bad”. The group also took a guided tour of the Greater Manchester Police Museum which includes an introduction to the arrest procedure and a visit to the cells.
Nicola Henderson, teacher at Abbott Community Primary School said: “We’ve really enjoyed the practical engagement, all the children were involved in the courtroom activity, it didn’t matter what their ability was. They have learnt more about the consequences of actions and being in the courtroom and visualising the space is a really good experience. We will be doing some follow-up work after the visit in PSHCE. The reaction from the children has been very positive with many saying they want to come back with their family and also talking about joining the Police when they’re older.” The aim of the visit was to broaden horizons for pupils and to support PSHCE education and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
The Trial of Goldilocks, delivered by the National Centre for Citizenship and the Law at the Greater Manchester Police Museum is available during term-time and must be pre-booked. Please email [email protected] or see the trial of goldilocks here. To find out more about courtroom workshops in Manchester email [email protected]
Handsam can help you plan your trip to the cells with our trip planning system and help you asses the risks of the three bears with our risk assessment guidance.
