School and sixth-form students get a glimpse into Law, Criminology and Policing during a discovery event

More than 100 sixth-form and high school students from across North Wales explored the science of fingerprinting during a discovery day held at Wrexham University.

The event, organised by the Law, Criminology and Policing departments at the University, saw students from Rhyl Sixth Form College; Prestatyn High School and Sixth Form; and Ysgol Glan Clwyd take part in a number of subject-related sessions, with the aim of highlighting what it takes to work in the field.

During the day, students took part in sessions where they were given an insight into the history of crime and punishment, recreate a court scenario in the University’s Moot Courtroom, a ‘whodunnit’ session to investigate a fictious crime by using applied criminal profiling and critical analysis, as well as the Policing fingerprinting session.

Caelan Harms, a Year 13 student at Prestatyn High School Sixth Form, who is planning to study Policing at university next year, said:

“I found the Policing session particularly useful as it’s the profession I’m looking to get into after university. Learning about forensic science through fingerprinting was really interesting.”

Darren Jacks, Senior Lecturer in Professional Policing, who delivered the Policing aspect of the day, said:

“It was fantastic to provide an overview of Policing to students, from the history to exploring that scientific aspect through fingerprints, dentistry, DNA and digital forensics.

“Our Professional Policing degree combines that crucial mix of scenario-based learning through simulated policing encounters, lectures and seminars, which provides our students with opportunities to develop their academic knowledge, as well as their practical skills.

“A huge thank you to all the students who took part and engaged with our discovery day.”

Charlotte Thomasson, Teacher of Public Services and Criminology at Prestatyn High School and Sixth Form, said:

“Our students have absolutely loved the Law, Criminology and Policing discovery day held at the University. Days like this where there are those practical elements are incredibly memorable experiences for learners. It’s also been a great insight into university life for them.”

Dr Sarah Dubberley, Principal Lead within the subject areas, added:

“We are delighted with how much students took from the discovery day and how well they engaged with the sessions. The feedback we’ve received has been wonderful. The day was a brilliant opportunity for us to showcase our courses, as well as the future employment prospects that are on offer for prospective students.”

Back in September, it was announced that the University, once again, was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for teaching quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. 

The University also achieved strong rankings in Criminology – ranking 9th in the UK overall, and ranking 1st in the UK for teaching quality and also for student experience.