Recently, our Year 12 Criminology pupils were due to attend a Forensic Science Experience Day at the University of Staffordshire. Unfortunately, due to an issue with the coach company, the transport did not arrive, and the visit was unable to go ahead as planned.

However, thanks to the incredible generosity and quick thinking of the team at Staffordshire University, the experience was brought to us here at Chase Terrace Academy instead.

Our pupils explored a wide range of forensic evidence types, took part in discussions on evidence handling and contamination, and got hands-on with a fingerprint analysis challenge to identify a suspect using real-world techniques. This directly supported their current Unit 3 studies: Crime Scene to Courtroom, which covers roles within criminal investigations, forensic techniques, and the correct handling of evidence.

Miss M Turner, Teacher of Criminology, said: “The visiting staff brought with them a wealth of expertise – from crime scene investigation to digital forensics and DNA analysis. The pupils were engaged throughout and gained valuable insight into the exciting career opportunities that our Level 3 Criminology course can lead to.”

We are extremely grateful to the University of Staffordshire for adapting so quickly and providing such an enriching and memorable afternoon for our pupils here at CTA.