Even before 2018 had finished, places for Team 1 in the 2019 Bond University National High School Mooting Competition had already been filled by Year 12 students Georgina Cottrill (Senior Counsel), Alexandra Hall (Junior Counsel) and Lily Harman (Solicitor).

Word spread quickly and the much coveted places for Team 2 were quickly filled by Year 11 students Jennifer Madgwick (Senior Counsel), Tess Hogan (Junior Counsel) and Sophie Hogan (Solicitor). This year, 106 teams from all over Australia took part in the competition which provided invaluable experience in students’ understanding of legal argument.

Students from Years 11 and 12 competed at the 2019 Bond University National High School Mooting Competition.

Weeks of preparation and early morning training sessions guided by Nakita Wilson (School Captain ’13) ensured that our students were well-prepared for their Moots on 16 May. The introduction of Legal Studies into our curriculum offerings ensures that students are better prepared than ever in understanding the process of Mooting and the ways in which it differs from Debating. While strong reasoning and a clear persuasive style are important in Debates, these alone will not do in Mooting, where sound understanding of statute and legal precedent are necessary in convincing judges of the merits of one’s case as representatives of either the Appellant or Respondent. At the end of our Moots, the judges praised the confidence and flexibility with which our students responded to their persistent questions, and the thoroughness of their preparation.

Students from Years 11 and 12 competed at the 2019 Bond University National High School Mooting Competition.

The warm weather on our arrival provided a beautiful backdrop to the competition, showcasing the architecture and facilities of Bond University, and endorsing it as a popular destination for many students wanting to study Law outside of Victoria. Students who take part in Mooting and are interested in the Law more broadly, are encouraged to apply for the Bond University Judge John Newton Mooting Scholarship. Interested students and parents should enquire further about this through the St Catherine’s Careers Counsellor, Ms Pauline van der Poel.

Students from Years 11 and 12 competed at the 2019 Bond University National High School Mooting Competition.