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KS3+ - Protest: On Trial and in the Archives
LOCATION: LONDON
Visit the National Justice Museum team at the Royal Courts of Justice and LSE Library for an immersive, cross-site day exploring protest, peace campaigning, and the law through the real-life trial of peace activist Pat Arrowsmith.
In the historic Royal Courts of Justice, students will take part in a courtroom workshop in a real working courtroom. Stepping into the roles of witnesses, lawyers, and jury members, they will re-enact the 1974 trial of Pat Arrowsmith, who was charged under the Incitement to Disaffection Act after distributing leaflets to British soldiers during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. As they hear the evidence and decide the verdict, students will consider the boundaries between free speech, protest, and national security.
After the trial, students will visit LSE Library to explore original archival material relating to peace campaigning, anti-war activism, and civil disobedience from the collections of Pat Arrowsmith and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). Through letters, pamphlets, photographs, and campaign literature, students will investigate the wider context of Pat Arrowsmith's activism and examine how campaigners have challenged government policy through peaceful protest.
Students will:
- Visit both a working court and a university library and archive
- Examine original archival material to explore peace campaigning and protest in Britain during the 20th century
- Prepare for and enact a mock trial based on the real case of peace activist Pat Arrowsmith
- Explore the legal and ethical questions surrounding free speech, civil disobedience, and protest
- Debate the balance between individual rights, public order, and national security, and compare historical and contemporary responses to protest
Timetable:
10:15 Arrival at Royal Courts of Justice
10:30-12:30 Courtroom Workshop with National Justice Museum at Royal Courts of Justice
12:30-13:10 Lunch Break (Groups to make own arrangements. Lincoln’s Inn Fields is recommended)
13:15-14:15 Archive workshop at London School of Economics Library
14:15 Depart
Image provided by LSE Library
| Suitable for | Key Stage 3+ |
| Location | Royal Courts of Justice, and London School of Economics Library. Groups will need to make their own arrangements between venues, however the walk should not exceed 10 minutes. |
| Curriculum Links | History, Citizenship, Law, Politics |
| Key skills enhanced include | Public speaking, historical enquiry, critical thinking, oracy |
| Duration | The day runs from 10:15-14:15. This includes 3hrs in sessions, and a 45-minute lunch break. |
| Number of students | Maximum of 30 (This number cannot be exceeded due to space restrictions) |
| Cost | £9.50 per pupil. There is a 25% discount available to schools that meet the following criteria;
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| Booking | Email NJM London Learning Manager Gemma Black: gemma.black@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk to book, or for any queries. |
“
Thank you so much for a fantastic day at the courts. It was an extremely informative, interactive and enjoyable morning.
”
Manchester Muslim Prep School
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