It's been 12 years since a NSW public school won the Law Society of NSW’s Mock Trial Competition, but today Asquith Girls High has broken the drought.

The Asquith Girls High team successfully defeated St Paul’s Catholic College in the final of the statewide competition, which includes all school sectors – public, independent and Catholic.

Bega High was the last public school to win the state final in 2012.

Head Teacher Phillipa Somerville said mock trial was among the hardest public speaking activities for students, as it was complex in the planning and the performance.

“It’s much more challenging than debating, as the students have to think strategically on their feet,” she said.

“They must understand and predict the opposition’s arguments, plan a case theory, prepare witnesses for cross examination, as well as plan how to cross examine the other team.”

Unlike a real trial, teams do not see the brief of evidence or the witness statements for the opposing side.

“In a real trial, the defence can see all the prosecution case, so there are no surprises. By hiding one side it tests how the students react to surprises,” Ms Somerville said.

Year 10 student Gemma said participating in mock trial had greatly helped her problem-solving skills.

“We can do all the preparation we can, like write out opening addresses and cross examination questions, but when you get in there, you never actually know what evidence they’re going to give,” she said.

Fellow team member Lottie said teamwork was crucial to the school’s success.

“We might only have one hour to prepare some documents, but we can all divide our time and we’re able use our individual skills which really helps us to work well together,” she said.

“We are so excited to be representing a public school in this competition, and now to win. We made it this far by being prepared, friendly and confident.”

In the mock trials, team members take on the roles of witnesses, solicitors, barristers and court officers, with an understudy for each role in the case of sickness.

The victorious Asquith Girls High School team included 10 students from Year 10 and one from Year 11.

The team participated in seven rounds in the competition since the start of 2024.

In the quarter final against St Francis Catholic College Edmonson Park, the team was successful in arguing unlawful possession of a firearm case beyond reasonable doubt, while against Ravenswood School for Girls in the semifinals, they defended a client who had been charged with sending intimidating messages by messenger. In that case, the team established that there was no intention to intimidate the victim.