Criminology: Vision Statement
Criminology is the study of crime from a social perspective: the causes of crime, the social impact of crime, and the criminals involved in the crime. Criminologists study criminology in an attempt to better understand what motivates the criminal to act in a criminal manner. In doing this we can look at ways of improving our criminal justice system which plays a key role within society.
Criminology at DHFS is a vocational course, examining the workings of agencies within society such as the police force, The Crown Prosecution Service, courts, prison service and probation services. Within this, students explore case studies to examine whether the justice system works fairly for all. Students develop skills such as analysing, contextualising, evaluating, assessing and synthesising. Students also foster an informed awareness of real world issues which exist in society, helping them to become empathetic yet rational citizens of their society.
An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology.
Criminology: Design Rationale
Within criminology students study four major themes which build on from one another and create a full and coherent understanding of the Criminal Justice System in the UK. Students also study a variety of key cases such as Amanda Knox, Stephen Lawrence, Jeremy Bamber, Christopher and Roy Meadows which are examined throughout the course. The influence of key institutions and agencies of social control such as the police, Crown Prosecution Service and Judiciary are considered throughout the course.
Criminology: Curriculum Map
Facilities
Criminology is taught in C and D block. Computer rooms are available for use when required and the library provides us with a variety of resources. You will have access to a wide range books, publications and the VLE will provide you with many extra resources.
Key Stage 5
Year 12/Year 13
- An Introduction to Crime: Here students are introduced to what crime is, different types of crime and why crime often goes unreported. This provides a basis for understanding what crime ‘looks like’ in the UK. They examine a range of hidden crimes to better understand the range of crimes which take place in the UK. In understanding this they can analyse why crime often goes unreported and the consequences of this. Students also examine the impact of the media when reporting crime and evaluate statistics on crime. Having examined the social construction of crime students compare different campaigns for change before creating their own campaign.
- Criminal Theories: Students explain and develop different theories for why someone may commit crime. This builds on the examples of crime considered in year 1 and applies different criminal acts to a range of theorists. Students consider and evaluate biological, psychological, sociological and individualistic explanations. They analyse situations of criminality to build their skillset further. Students also consider how these theories inform social policy in the UK.
- Crime Scene to Court Room: In this unit students consider to a greater extent the vocational aspect of criminology and learn how a criminal investigation is carried out from the crime occurring to it going to trial. Students look at the effectiveness of personnel involved, they evaluate different investigative techniques and consider the rules and procedures that need to be followed in an investigation. They consider what may effect a jury’s decision making in a trial as well as considering just and unsafe verdicts. Throughout this unit a range of criminal cases will be considered- some which they came across in criminal theories but are used in a different manner. Other cases will be new to give range and breath to their knowledge.
- Crime and Punishment: The final unit looks at the organisation of the Criminal Justice system in the UK to establish whether it is an effective system. Here students consider different agencies that tackle crime in the UK and evaluate these agencies. Some agencies such as the police force, CPS and courts will be familiar already whilst others such as the probation service and prison service will be new. Students also look at different forms of social control and apply this to what they learnt in criminal theories. Students examine the aims of punishments in the UK and whether they work. Within this unit there are many synoptic links which draws from the previous unit’s previous knowledge. By the end of the course students will have reached a decision on how effective our justice system really is.
Further Information
https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/criminology-level-3/#tab_overview
Teaching staff
- Miss J Burks
- Miss J Wright