Over the past year, School of Law staff Felicity Belton and Professor Jane Mair have been working in partnership with Clydebank High School, supporting them to obtain SQA approval to deliver a module in Legal Studies: the only Scottish school to do so.

This ‘first’ for law was recently the subject of a feature by the Clydebank Post (https://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/18765690.clydebank-high-pupils-first-scotland-study-law/)

The course seeks to introduce S6 pupils to the study of law, and it is hoped the CHS experience may encourage other schools to consider offering pupils the opportunity to learn about law.  Clydebank High teacher Paul Hamilton, who is the inspiration behind this project, said:

“There is in my opinion a need for legal studies within the school curriculum.  The NPA (National Progression Award), I hope, is the beginning of something special with regards to the teaching of law in secondary schools.”

“The collaborative work being done by staff at the UofG School of Law and teachers at Clydebank High School is an example of how schools and universities can work together.”

“I am incredibly fortunate to be teaching Legal Studies to such amazing young people at CHS - all motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about law.  They make my job a very special one indeed.”

Jane and Felicity have been awarded funding by the University of Glasgow’s College of Social Sciences for an intern to support them in developing this new initiative.

Legal Studies students have already been putting their new skills to the test. Both Clydebank High teams taking part in the Law Society Scotland Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament were successful in the first round of the competition held on 19 November and will be progressing to round two. Congratulations to the teams and best of luck in the next round! 

You can follow the Clydebank teams’ progress on Twitter: @CHSLegalStudies

First published: 2 December 2020

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