Fifteen Loreto students took part in the regional heat of the Bar National Mock Trial competition in November at Manchester Crown Court. The competition sees students take on the roles of barristers, witnesses, court clerk, usher and jurors as they put on two cases against other schools and colleges in front of real Crown Court judges.

Loreto convincingly won their three heats, and did outstandingly well to finish in the top two of the twelve entrants, qualifying for the final against Carmel College. A very closely contested final saw Loreto finish second by one point – for the second year in a row! The students did the College proud and produced truly outstanding performances. Particular credit goes to Daniel Johnston, Amy Lawson, Pat Brierly, and Mary Yasini, who excelled as barristers in some tense exchanges with witnesses; and to our superbly dramatic witnesses Maria Khan, Chloe Rixon, Lauren Fellowes, Alice Cribbin, Isy Ijeh and Nick Brown, as well as Laura Sanderson who gave a great performance as court clerk. Thanks also to our jurors Ayza Raza, Megan Rafferty and Molly Wombell.

The Bar Mock Trial is a fantastic competition that helps students develop skills of public speaking, teamwork under pressure, performance and thinking on their feet. Mr Howells would particularly like to thank Barrister Gwen Henshaw, Miss Collier and Miss Jordan for their help in making this happen. We are hoping for third time lucky in 2016!