LAW

Criminal Law

IgnitED Law participants gain a practical introduction to criminal law, following the full journey of a case from the initial crime report to the final sentencing decision. They explore how the police investigate, how the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) evaluates evidence and decides whether to charge, and how cases progress through the courts.

Through interactive activities, students analyse different types of evidence, assess reliability, and learn how a trial is structured and argued. The session provides a grounded understanding of how the criminal justice system operates in practice, and what fairness and accountability look like inside a real courtroom.

Advocacy Skills

IgnitED Law participants gain a practical introduction to courtroom advocacy and the skills that define effective performance. They study the qualities barristers rely on, explore how questioning techniques shape evidence, and learn strategies for maintaining control of a witness under pressure.

Through paired activities, students practise open and closed questioning, manage challenging witnesses, and develop the clarity, composure, and strategy required for successful cross‑examination.

By the end of the session, participants have a strong foundation in advocacy skills, preparing them to step confidently into their roles for the programme’s mock trial and building competencies valued in both university law pathways and future legal careers.

Mock Trial

IgnitED Law participants bring their learning to life in a mock trial, stepping into roles such as barristers, witnesses, jurors, and clerks. Working from case materials, they prepare opening speeches, plan cross‑examinations, and rehearse courtroom strategies before presenting their case.

As the trial unfolds, Participants test evidence, respond to new information, and make arguments while experiencing the pace and structure of a real courtroom.

This immersive session provides a practical introduction to trial advocacy, giving participants a clear understanding of how lawyers think, prepare, and present cases, skills that are valued in university law pathways and future legal careers.

Co‑Lab: Collaborative Learning and Industry Reflection at IgnitED

Co‑Lab is a daily feature of the IgnitED programme, bringing participants together for collaborative problem‑solving, structured reflection, and interdisciplinary learning.

Each day, Participants step into mixed‑discipline teams, to identify global themes, emerging challenges, and explore how different fields of engineering, medicine, business, legal, and artistic creative industries intersect in real professional environments.

Every Co‑Lab group tackles an interdisciplinary challenge project. These challenges require participants to pool knowledge, negotiate approaches, and deliver joint solutions, mirroring the teamwork and innovation demanded in modern careers.

This unique combination of guided reflection and cross‑industry collaboration helps IgnitED participants:

• Make sense of their daily learning experiences

• Understand the wider context of their chosen career pathway

• Build communication, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills valued across all industries

Co‑Lab ensures that every participant leaves not only with industry insights but also with the transferable skills and collaborative mindset that employers and universities look for.