YEAR 6 MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION 2025

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do we need to write our own script?

No. We will provide a scripted court scenario which will be sent out in advance. There will be one script for the Local Heats and a different script for the Grand Final Competition. Children should please stick to the script and not introduce their own questions in cross examination. We do not expect the children to learn the script or be word perfect. We do expect them to be familiar with their lines and role so they are able to give a confident performance.

How many pupils will be able to take part?

For the Local Heats there is a speaking role for 6 children. The Grand Final has speaking parts for 7 pupils and 2 non-speaking roles for the Court Artist and Court Reporter. 

When will these events occur?

The Local Heats will be arranged between January and the Easter break. The Grand Final will be held in June. Exact dates will be provided as soon as possible in the New Year.

Can we enter more than one team?

You may be able to enter up to a maximum of two teams for the Local Heats if there is capacity. It’s important the competition is open to as many different schools across Greater Manchester as possible. We will be holding the Local Heats across all the Greater Manchester boroughs so that the Grand Final has as wide a geographical spread as possible.

Local Heats and Grand Final locations?

There will be 5 Local Heats across Greater Manchester with schools from neighbouring boroughs competing for a place. We will try to arrange locations as close to the competing schools locations as possible. Details of locations will be provided as soon as possible prior to the heats.

The schools participating in the Grand Final will be notified of the location, date and time.

How long will the competition take?

For the Local Heats, as a provisional guide, we expect each school to be with us for around 1 hour and 15 minutes, not the full day. Each trial lasts 45 minutes plus time to arrive, set up and vacate.

For the Grand Final a running order timetable will be issued 4 weeks before the date of the competition. Arrival will be no earlier than 08:45am and the event will conclude with prizes and awards, no later than 13.45pm. Exact timings will be confirmed nearer the competition. The trial itself takes about 45 mins. 

Can you facilitate pupils with special needs?

We welcome all pupils of all abilities. Please notify us of any special needs beforehand and we shall be pleased to make adjustments to accommodate if required.

How do we apply for a contribution towards transport costs?

We have been fortunate in obtaining sponsorship to offer schools a contribution to the cost of travel for the local heats and the final if needed. Write to the event organiser, Rachel Medcalf JP using the email

enquiries@gmma-mic.net

The questions below only apply to the Grand Final Competition:

How do we get into the Grand Final?

There will be 5 local heats across Greater Manchester with schools from neighbouring boroughs competing for a place. The winning school and runners up from each local heat will attend the Grand Final, together with the winning school and runners up from the 2024 competition.

What will the children be doing when they are not competing?

There will be activities from other agencies to keep children engaged while not competing. These include stands from British Transport Police, Early Start, Travel Safe, GM Police and GM Fire and Rescue Service. New for this year there will be a Knives: Choices and Consequences Interactive workshop run by GM Magistrates timetabled for when the children have finished their trial. 

What should we bring?

Students will need a pen/pencil and note paper for the sentencing exercise. Teachers are welcome to bring other activities e.g. quizzes, word searches for children to complete while waiting. Court Reporters will need paper and pen/pencil and Court Artist should bring pencils and colouring crayons if they wish.

What should we wear?

This is entirely up to the school. Previously, schools have either worn their school uniform or dressed according to the role they are playing in the court scenario. 

Do we need to bring pack lunch?

Students and staff should bring their own packed lunch. Refreshments will be available – jugs of water/cordial and biscuits. If any participant has an allergy please let us know in advance.

Are spectators allowed?

We are restricted by the Fire and Safety rules of the building. Consequently, we need to limit spectators / parents to a maximum of 2 per school. This is in addition to the teaching staff.

What are the arrangements for travel and parking?

The participating schools will be notified prior to the event.

A full information pack with the script for the trial and guidance for teachers will be sent out to each participating school.

Please see the feedback comments and testimonials we kindly received following previous competitions which are shown on this page .....

Testimonials from previous Y6MTC