Criminology

Intent

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour and considers how crime might be controlled and prevented. This course will support students to better understand British values, including the rule of law, so that they can make the difference as responsible citizens. They will use theories of criminality to analyse criminal situations and make recommendations for policy. Students also develop the knowledge and skills to research policy in practice, assess campaigns for changes in awareness and examine information to review verdicts in criminal cases.

Through this Applied Level 3 course, pupils tackle 4 units and in so doing glean knowledge and understanding of the public awareness of crime, criminological theories seeking to explain crime, the process from crime scene to courtroom and issues arising from the punishment of crime. Pupils engage with local, national and global issues. Pupils respectfully explore the impact of culture, religious difference and media on the reality of crime. Pupils develop varied skills as they engage with Controlled Assessments and external exams, building resilience in the effective use of independent research, organisation and time management.

Students should be able, at the end of Year 13, to make synoptic links between the content covered in the 4 mandatory units, allowing them to successfully complete the 2 internal controlled assessments and 2 external exams. Students will be challenged to use a range of assessment criteria throughout all units. This includes description, comparison, explanation, analysis and evaluation in order to draw conclusions. Through shared research, wider reading and discussions, supportive relationships are developed.

Implementation

In Year 12, students study Unit 1 Changing Awareness of Crime and Unit 2 Criminological Theories. The first unit enables the learner to demonstrate understanding of different types of crime; influences on perceptions of crime; and, why some crimes are unreported. The purpose of this unit is for students to plan campaigns for change relating to crime. The second unit allows learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on what they have learned in Unit 1. The purpose of this unit is for students to apply their understanding of the public perceptions of crime and campaigns for change studied in Unit 1 with criminological theories to examine how both inform policy.

In Year 13, students continue their studies with Unit 3 Crime Scene to Courtroom and Unit 4 Crime and Punishment. The third unit provides an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been committed through to the verdict. Learners will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. In the fourth unit, learners will apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy. The purpose of this unit is for students to develop skills in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the process of social control in delivering policy in practice.

Progress in Criminology is determined each year and throughout the year by using varied data to inform and improve both teaching and learning. Data includes exams results analysis, examiners' and moderators' reports, student voice and staff voice. Assessment data is checked, verified and uploaded to the school's curriculum tracker, where it is analysed repeatedly and regularly. Progress is further determined through such practices as work scrutiny, book monitoring and learning walks.

Impact

Since the introduction of this immensely popular course, a number of pupils have gone on to study Criminology at university level. In addition to Criminology, pupils have chosen to study Criminology with Psychology, Criminology and Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology. Other pupils have applied to join the police, the probation service and crime scene investigation services. The course has also acted as a solid support for pupils intending to study law, sociology and more broadly, social science courses generally. The course enables staff and pupils to establish meaningful relationships and support is provided for all pupils, both to enable them to achieve and succeed but also to find a way forward beyond the safe and familiar surroundings of Southborough High at the end of Year 13.