A CLASS of Clydebank pupils are the first to take their school to court - as they get some top training in the law.

Clydebank High introduced the new legal studies course for S6 pupils this year in partnership with the University of Glasgow’s School of Law.

The secondary school said it is the first in Scotland to offer what has normally been taught in colleges.

They said the NPA level 6 (national progression award) course - equivalent to a Higher - is designed to give an understanding of the law and potentially lead to further studies in college or university.

Pupils are specifically looking at Scots law and “crime in society” and have the support of academic staff at the university throughout the year.

Teacher Paul Hamilton told the Post: “It is a pleasure to be delivering this course at Clydebank High School, in partnership with the School of Law at the University of Glasgow.

“Up until now, this course has only been delivered by colleges, sometimes for school pupils; but now at CHS we are offering the course in-house – a first in Scotland.

“The course is an excellent footing for pupils with ambitions to leave school and pursue a legal/paralegal career.”

Law students and professionals said the course can be an ideal introduction to the field.

Holly McKenna, a law masters research student at Glasgow University said: “Law can seem scary and inaccessible. Bridging the gap between high school, with no experience, and university, thrown in at the deep end, is a very positive thing.”

And law graduate and paralegal Ami-Jayne Hughes said offering subjects such as law at school was essential.

She said: “Offering this as part of the curriculum will ignite a spark in young people who have, perhaps, never considered or felt capable enough to consider law as a career path.”

Pupils are also singing the praises of the new offering - both for how it is run, and the career opportunities.

Mia Moohan, in S6, said: “Since there is no final exam, it gives us a chance to prove ourselves throughout the year.”

And classmate Bethany Provan added: “Studying legal studies is benefitting me greatly as I want to study law when I leave school.”