New PSHE Initiative sees Students Visit Worcester Crown Court

Lower Sixth students recently visited Worcester Crown Court as part of a powerful and though-provoking new initiative, ‘Getting Court’.

The programme is part of King’s renowned Life Skills programme and has been introduced by the recently appointed High Sheriff of Worcester, Ian Smith (OV). It was a fantastic opportunity for students interested in a career in the judicial system, with all those attending expressing a desire to go into such a role beyond King’s.

The initiative is designed to give students an informed insight into how the Crown Court operates and the differing parts of the criminal justice system including counsel, the Criminal Prosecution Service, the Probation Service and the Mental Health Diversion Service.

During their visit, the students were able to sit within the Court room, rather than the public gallery, enabling them to view the court process up-close. His Honour Judge James Burbidge KC gave a short history of the court, its function, and its purpose, explaining the roles of the differing participants in the court process, as well as an overview of some recent cases . He then asked for volunteers to stand up in the witness box and be questioned – Olivia K did a fantastic job of this!

Judge Burbidge then gave a summary of what we were going to hear by way of cases, the majority related to drugs, fraud, fights and driving offences, and the students then watched seven cases where defendants were issued trial dates or given sentences.

In addition, the project is designed to help students understand that anybody can be vulnerable to making mistakes in life. As part of the visit, a former offender, Fuzz was called to give a talk to the students. This was one of the most impactful aspects of the day, offering students a unique insight into a criminal’s life and how he managed to turn it around after serving ten years in prison. Fuzz now works for the Youth Justice Service and his son has aspirations to become a barrister.

This was a fantastic learning opportunity and directly relates to the work we do in PSHE about making the right decisions and understanding the consequences of your actions.

We are extremely grateful to Ian Smith (OV) High Sheriff of Worcestershire, who made this visit possible, and to the judge who generously gave his time to educate and engage with our students.

Our Lower Sixth students came away inspired, reflective and better informed. The trip offered a rare, in-depth insight into the justice system and students described it as both fascinating and thought-provoking. It was also an eye-opening reminder of the importance of personal responsibility, and the impact of our decisions on our futures.

Opportunities like this have a lasting impact – one that King’s students feel very fortunate to have been part of it.