CHILDREN from Newton Abbot primary school had a taste of the judicial system with a behind the scene visit to Plymouth Magistrates Court.

The trip by Templar Class from All Saints Marsh C of E Academy also featured an exciting afternoon at The Box art centre.

It was a day of justice, history and hands-on learning for the youngsters, giving them a rare chance to explore the justice system first‑hand, meet a judge, and take part in a fully interactive mock trial.

During their visit to the court, the children were welcomed by a serving judge who answered their many questions.

They learned how court hearings are structured, the different types of cases which come before magistrates and the many years of training required to become a judge.

One fact that sparked plenty of laughter was the famous real‑life legal debate over whether a Jaffa Cake should be classed as a cake or a biscuit—a story that quickly became a class favourite.

The highlight of the morning was their own courtroom re‑enactment.

The children took on the roles of ushers, barristers, a clerk, witnesses, and members of the jury, while the judge presiding over the case wore a real cloak and wig worth £500.

Their fictitious case centred on Selina, a 13‑year‑old accused of harassment for sending abusive and threatening messages in a WhatsApp group.

In the afternoon, the class continued their learning adventure at The Box where they were captivated by the towering woolly mammoth, immersed themselves in Plymouth’s history through a 3D experience, and even tried their hand at presenting the news using the interactive green screen.

Head Teacher Liam O’Sullivan said: ‘Our pupils were absolutely inspired by this experience.

‘They showed real curiosity, confidence, and respect as they explored the justice system and the history of Plymouth.

‘Opportunities like this broaden their horizons and help them understand the world beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud of them.’

The day was supported by the school’s PTFA which helped subsidise the trip.