On Thursday morning, around 115 Year 9 and 10 pupils received a talk from representatives of the police force. Cadets were also invited to attend. We had Joe, Brian and Andy (PCSOs) along with Stacey and Liam (Criminologists) visiting the academy. The pupils heard about how each came to be in the job role they are in which was great to hear just before Year 9 pupils attended Options Evening later that day.

Andy spoke about some time he spent as a Prison Officer at HMP Oakwood which the pupils found interesting. We had some excellent questions from pupils that Andy answered – most were interested about the day in the life of a Prison Officer and a prisoner.

Later on, the visitors made their way up to the Sixth Form block to speak to current Criminology students. We had some very in-depth discussions about how important it is to consider mental health when dealing with potential suspects as well as rehabilitation options that the Prison Service currently offers.

The representatives of the police force spoke very highly of our pupils and said they were pleasantly surprised by how much information about the Criminal Justice System our Criminologists knew.