Senior School
Court Education Program Returns for Term 3
The Supreme Court's Education Program is back for Term 3, with a fully booked 10 week schedule that will see close to 1,000 students visit the Court to deepen their understanding of Victoria's justice system.
This term, the program will deliver 44 sessions to students from 52 different schools across the state. The strong demand reflects the continued value of providing students with direct access to the courts and the opportunity to engage with judicial officers and observe court proceeding firsthand.
“I think that so often VCE Legal Studies becomes very theoretical and difficult for students to grasp. Getting students into the courts, allows them to understand how courts operate and who is involved in the system. We get to discuss the principles of justice in an authentic way that is hard to achieve in a classroom setting.”
The program's reach extends well beyond metro Melbourne. This term, nine regional schools will travel to the Supreme Court, with students journeying from regions including Mortlake, Yarrawonga and Hopetoun to participate in the program.
One of the first schools through the doors this term was Seymour College, whose students met with Justice Harris. As part of their studies, students had been learning about class actions and the ways court processes can support individuals seeking access to justice through collective legal action. Their discussion with Justice Harris provided valuable insights into the role of the Court and the ways legal matters can affect the broader community.
As another busy term gets underway, the Supreme Court looks forward to welcoming the next cohort of students through its doors and supporting their understanding of the legal system through authentic, engaging and memorable learning experiences.
Christina Varcoe - Education and Engagement Officer - Court Services Victoria
Supreme Court of Victoria
On Tuesday 4th August our Year 11 Legal Studies class visited the Supreme Court of Victoria. We were met by Justice Claire Harris who spoke about the court and her role as a justice within the court. We were then taken into a case to view a bail application for a person charged with manslaughter and watched a witness being examined in chief. The group also visited the Supreme Court Library supported by staff from the court education network and had a talk about legal pathways from an associate.
Our visit was organised by Christina Dall who runs the Court Education Program.
Christina is an ex Seymour College student and always provides our groups with great opportunities. (The group picture is in the Supreme Court library in front of the 19th Century gasolier).
