The University of Warwick welcomed primary school pupils to the West regional final of its School Tasking programme at Kenilworth Castle on Wednesday 29 April.
Inspired by the TV show Taskmaster, School Tasking brings creative, fast-paced challenges into a legal setting, giving Year 5 pupils from underrepresented backgrounds a practical and fun introduction to the law.
Led by Dr Ali Struthers at the University of Warwick, the programme now runs at 34 universities across the UK and Ireland, with regional winners progressing to a national "Champion of Champions" final.
At the Kenilworth Castle event, pupils tackled a series of timed challenges, including Lego animation and a puzzle to "free" Little Alex Horne. Set against the historic backdrop of the castle - and featuring the programme's recognisable giant Taskmaster duck - the final gave pupils the chance to take on each task in an exciting, out-of-classroom setting.
Dr Ali Struthers, Creator of School Tasking, Reader in Law and Director of Widening Participation at the University of Warwick, said: "School Tasking opens up the study of law in a way that feels accessible and engaging. It gives pupils the chance to think creatively, work as a team and build confidence through doing tasks that are not only educational, but also make them think outside the box.
"It's been great to see the programme grow, with universities across the UK and Ireland getting involved and more pupils taking part each year, as well as international versions being launched this year and next in Iceland and Australia."
A staff member from the University of South Wales, one of the universities with a team participating at the regional final said: "The children from Gelli Primary had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the whole experience, especially in such lovely surroundings at Kenilworth Castle."
