Criminology Curriculum Intent

Criminology is a KS5 option subject at John Henry Newman Catholic College. The aim of the course is to introduce students to the Criminal Justice System, the reasons as to why people turn to crime and the way in which we can control as a society. The Criminology course has elements of the other Social Sciences and highly complements the study of Sociology, Law and Psychology. Being situated in an area of high deprivation, John Henry Newman Catholic College students often either witness, or are victims of, crime. By studying Criminology, learners can actively see how the Criminal Justice System impacts on their own behaviour and conduct in a British society.  Students learn to analyse situations and draw conclusions based on their knowledge. 

Although we are bound by the constraints of the examining body (WJEC), we have designed the curriculum to enable students to leave with a Certificate (equivalent to a half a Level qualification) at the end of year 12. This means that students will sit one exam and one piece of controlled coursework throughout Year 12. This allows learners to have a basic grounding in Criminology and if for any reason the learner decides to leave after Year 12 they have a qualification. The certificate counts for 50% of the overall A Level Grade. Students are then entered for the second exam and controlled coursework units in Year 13 to achieve the full Diploma (A Level equivalent).  

Students are given many opportunities to experience Criminology outside of the classroom. Yearly we attend the Criminology Student Conference whereby they hear lectures from leading universities on topical Criminology subjects as well as talks from ex criminals. We also visit the Birmingham courts to see the Criminal Justice System in action and a guided visit to the disused Shrewsbury Prison. By taking Criminology learners to experience these different situations, we enable the learning to come to life and for the lesson topics to become relatable. 

By studying Criminology, students can gain an A Level equivalent qualification graded A*-E which can lead onto a variety of destinations from further study to apprenticeships or the world of work. With the ability to analyse scenarios and draw conclusions, Criminology learners are well placed with analytical skills to help them once they leave the 6th form. As a part of the Social Sciences, those who study Criminology are well placed to go into a variety of Higher Education courses such as Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Law or any other related course. Employment opportunities are often within the Criminal Justice System, Victim support agencies, Law firms, Crown Prosecution Service or the National Probation Service.