Street Law is not like any other ‘typical’ law module. You get to be creative, inspired and in control of researching, designing and delivering presentations to members of the community. By participating in the Streetlaw module, we found ourselves creating and delivering interactive presentations on a variety of legal topics that helped groups and individuals develop their legal knowledge. For example, we worked closely with local school pupils, delivering presentations on topics such as ‘Cyberbullying and the Law’, and a Mini-Mock Trial about how the English Legal System works. We also delivered a talk to parents at a local nursery about the law surrounding School Admissions, in particular Infant Class Size Appeals.

The assessment process used in Streetlaw breaks from the traditional essay or exam based questions. We were asked to create a portfolio and draft a reflective report. We really enjoyed creating the portfolio and the reflective report because it developed our writing, design, and reflective skills. The portfolio included an evidence folder of our presentation which contained our original creative ideas, evidence of interactive resources we created, a research bibliography and a weekly journal. Although it may sound like a lot, it really is not! Most importantly we found that the reflective report was where our real learning came from. It helped us to grow as people, as it made us reflect on and consider our own strengths and weaknesses.

Without hesitation we can honestly say Street Law was one of the best modules, if not the best module, we could have chosen to complete as one of our optional third year modules. We found Street Law allowed for a valuable contribution to our CV, as we learned key transferable skills and developed our confidence, public speaking, and communication skills. These are important skills for working in any career. We can really see the impact that the the module had on us in such a short period. Before this module we both felt nervous and apprehensive when public speaking, but this module helped us to grow our confidence. This in turn helped us with other modules such as Health Care Law which had an assessed oral presentation. We have now become independent and professional individuals who are keen to adapt and face new challenges in the future.

Overall Street Law provided us with hugely worthwhile experiences. We learned new skills and most importantly, we believe it is through Street Law that we now have the confidence to address future presentations and public speaking positively. We highly recommend this module to future students. The experience you take away from this module will reflect massively on your employability, and you also get the opportunity to help the local community.

Blog written by: Lucy Nield and Chelsea Taylor

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