Year 9 students recently participated in an engaging interdisciplinary lesson led by History teacher Sanja Bogdanović and English teacher Anđelka Đorđević. The classroom was transformed into a courtroom as students took part in a structured mock trial designed to connect historical context with literary analysis.
The central question guiding the lesson was both timeless and provocative: Is Robin Hood a criminal – or a hero fighting injustice?
A Courtroom in the Classroom
In this carefully organized simulation, Robin Hood stood accused of robbery, treason against the Crown, and disturbing the King’s peace. Students assumed the roles of lawyers, witnesses, and jurors, fully embracing the responsibilities of each position.
The prosecution and defense teams prepared detailed cases, examined witnesses, presented historical and textual evidence, and delivered persuasive closing statements. Meanwhile, the student jury carefully evaluated the arguments before reaching a final verdict.
Law vs. Justice: A Question of Perspective
Beyond the excitement of the trial format, the lesson encouraged deeper reflection on the relationship between law and justice. Students examined contrasting perspectives – wealth versus poverty, authority versus rebellion – while gaining insight into medieval social hierarchy and power structures.
By analyzing motives and questioning assumptions, they explored how actions can be interpreted differently depending on social and political context.
Developing Essential Skills
Through this interactive approach, students strengthened key competencies such as public speaking, argumentation, critical thinking, and teamwork. Stepping into the roles of historical and fictional figures allowed them to defend viewpoints with clarity, confidence, and evidence-based reasoning.
Learning That Engages and Inspires
This interdisciplinary lesson demonstrated how history and literature can come alive through experiential learning. It not only deepened students’ understanding of the past but also showed that meaningful learning can be dynamic, analytical, and highly engaging.
And the verdict?
That may depend on perspective – but one thing is certain: the experience was a clear success.
