Students recreate courtroom scenario at interactive Law and Criminal Justice Discovery Day

From taking fingerprints to recreating a courtroom scenario, college students recently enjoyed an interactive Law and Criminal Justice Discovery Day at Wrexham Glyndwr University

The university’s Criminology, Law and Policing department organised the event to highlight what it takes to work in the fields.

More than 70 students from Flint High School, Coleg Cambria, Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd, Ysgol Uwchradd Brynhyfryd, Ysgol Uwchradd Eirias, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Shrewsbury High School took part in both interactive and discussion-led sessions – which saw students get the chance to act out a court case in a room that is set up to mimic a real-life courtroom.

Students also learnt more about a career in policing – and even had the chance to learn how Police use fingerprints in their investigations.

Dylan Jones, Senior Lecturer in Law at Wrexham Glyndwr University who led the court session, said: “The court session was a fantastic experience for the students – it was an opportunity for them to understand how a courtroom works, as well as to learn the skills of advocacy, speaking and debating.

“Law is one of our newest courses at the university and we’re proud of how we’re developing the course to strike the balance in terms of providing that practical and interactive experience, while also equipping students with the academic skills they need to practice.”

Dr Caroline Hughes, Associate Dean for Student Engagement at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: “We are also honoured to have the Cyril Oswald Jones Fund, which includes an annual bursary for gifted Law students who may not otherwise be able to realise their ambitions without its support and also rewards excellence in final-year students.”

Students also heard from two university alumni speakers Cara Baker, who teaches at Rhyl College and is a Probation Officer, and Laura Chapman, who has worked within the third sector and is now a Probation Service Officer, as well from trainee Solicitors – Siriol Elin Jones, who works for the Crown Prosecution Service Osian Rhys Roberts, who works at M A J Law in Widnes.

Elen Mai Nefydd, Head of Welsh Medium Academic Development at Wrexham Glyndwr University, also gave a talk to students on embedding Welsh language as part of the Law and Policing courses.

They also heard – and took part in a debate on the subject of ‘Are Criminals Born or Made?’

Ayse Gilgil, Year 12 student at Flint High, who is keen to pursue a career in Criminal Therapy, said: “I found the conference really interesting, it was definitely worthwhile coming along.

“I really enjoyed the session which focussed on the work of Probation Officers – it really showed what a rewarding and important job it is, and the difference they make to people’s lives.”

Bethan Squire, Criminology teacher at Flint High, said: “What a fantastic, insightful day. We have a number of students, who are looking to embark on a career in the relevant subject areas – including Policing and Criminal Justice, so the event was absolutely invaluable for them.”

Dr Sarah Dubberley, Senior Lecturer in Criminal and Youth Justice at Wrexham Glyndwr University, added: “We’re delighted with how much students took from our Law and Criminal Justice Discovery Day – not only was it enlightening for the students but also a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our nationally leading courses and the future employment prospects that are on offer for prospective students.”

To find out more about the course, visit: https://glyndwr.co.uk/courses/undergraduate-courses/criminology-and-criminal-justice/