TEESDALE Sixth Form pupils have been getting an insight into the British court system after Teesdale School started organising visits for them.

The Year 13 students have visited Newcastle and Durham Crown Courts and Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court this year in an attempt to learn about the effects of crime and disorder.

Their public services teacher, Tina Masterman, who arranged for them to visit the courts, said: “The aim of the course is to look in depth at the impact that crime and anti-social behaviour has on not only the victims, but also the whole society.

“Visiting the courts has allowed the pupils to hear case proceedings and form their own judgements about whether the sentences and orders were fair and just.”

The students also attended a Youth Crime Conference in York, which switched the perspective of crime and looked at its impact on the criminals and their families.

They are also set to interview the police later this year.

Student Lucy Mann said: “It’s been really good for me as it’s something I want to do when I leave school.

“The opportunity to go to the courts and see how people are affected has been important, particularly as I’d like to go into social work or probation.”