Pencoed pupils win national law competition!

Three pupils from Pencoed Comprehensive School and Sixth Form Centre, battled their way through several rounds of a national law competition – the first of its kind in Wales – only to find themselves stealing the winning position at the finals. 

Organised for Seren Academy learners, the legal competition, or ‘Moot’, was set within a courtroom scenario with the teams being presented with a case to represent. Learners made legal arguments in front of judges to defend their client, based on a scenario that was given to them a few weeks in advance.  The ‘judges’ consisted of law undergraduates, graduates, as well as serving solicitors and barristers.

Competing against schools across Wales, including six others from the county borough, the Pencoed pupils made their way to the final against St John’s College, a co-educational independent school in Cardiff.

In this final round, Roan, a Year 13 pupil at the school, was awarded the title of ‘Best Overall Orator’ – an award which has landed him a week’s internship at a prestigious Swansea law firm.

Roan said: “Experience in mooting is critical for anyone considering a career in advocacy and is looked upon favourably by the Bar of England and Wales, not to mention the hundreds of barristers’ chambers up and down the country.

“We are incredibly grateful to Jacob Mills [lead organiser] and all of the other organisers who helped make this competition a reality…It was thoroughly enjoyable and a privilege to represent Penybont Sixth Form, with our success being a testament to the strong sense of teamwork, which prevailed over the many rounds of opponents we overcame.”

Headteacher, Edward Jones, said: “As a school we have really enjoyed participating in the first Welsh Sixth Form Moot Competition.  The standard was exceptionally high and the level of preparation required for each case, throughout the rounds, was also extremely challenging.

“We are delighted to have won, thoroughly enjoyed the final, and are really looking forward to defending the title next year.”

An exceptional opportunity and achievement! Our pupils have been presented with the unique chance to participate in an activity that is usually only open to university students, and they have risen to the challenge!

So very well done to Roan, Megan and Lauren! We are very proud!

Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education