Nearly 1000 students will explore the Supreme Court over the next 10 weeks, with the Court’s Education Program fully booked for Term Three.
The program aims to deepen secondary school students’ understanding of the Victorian justice system, connecting them with the Court and its judicial officers.
This term 44 sessions will be facilitated for students from 52 different schools, including nine schools from regional Victoria, some making the journey from as far as Mortlake, Yarrawonga and Hopetoun.
Seymour College were among the first schools through the doors, meeting with Justice Claire Harris in the first week of August.
As part of their studies, the students had been learning about class actions and how court processes can support access to justice through collective legal action.
Justice Harris provided valuable insights into the role of the Court and the ways legal matters can impact the broader community.
Her Honour said meeting students who come to the Court from all around Victoria was a highlight of working in the Court.
“I’ve found that talking with students about the Court and its history, and about our work as judges, provides a great opportunity to reflect on the Court’s work and its role in the community," Justice Harris said.
"I love the questions that students ask – it provides insight into what they are focused on in thinking about the workings of the Court and the justice system, and also shows how diverse, humorous and interesting Victorian students are.”
Term Three comes off the back of a successful Term Two program, which saw 40 schools tour the Supreme Court.
In Term Two, McClelland College teacher David Grinszpan attended an education session with a group of Legal Studies students.
“I think that so often VCE Legal Studies becomes very theoretical and difficult for students to grasp,” he said.
“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.”
Interested teachers can learn about the Court's Education Program and book a visit.