A stint behind bars helps students learn about criminal justice

Law students turned a prison into their classroom during a visit to Shrewsbury Prison as part of their A Level course.

The Loughborough College students went through the same arrival process as new inmates would have done before the prison was decommissioned in 2013 then embarked on a tour of the facility, including the former execution room.

Students, who wore prison-issue orange boiler suits as part of the experience, learned about the prison’s history, the different wings, the processes and some of the characters from former prison guards, Mick and Graham, who worked at Shrewsbury in its heyday.

Catherine Callaghan, 18, from Ashby, said: “We learned about the process offenders experienced, including searches from arrival, to conditions of solitary cells and the roles within a barricade- hostage situation. We were so lucky to hear about personal experiences the ex-staff, Mick and Graham, had with inmates over the years which animated how prison life would have been.”

Sian-May Wright-Evans, 17, also from Ashby, said: “We were able to explore the prison, looking into the cells and the execution room as well as learning about the personal experiences of Mick and Graham. Overall, it was a fascinating, insightful trip which I really enjoyed.”

Corinne Gardner, Sixth Form lecturer who organised the trip, said: “Students loved the experience of seeing the inside of a prison and hearing the prison officers’ stories about what life was really like for inmates.

“Visits like this are a key part of Loughborough College’s enrichment programme which brings to life many of the areas we look at in class. Plus it gives students fantastic opportunities to enjoy experiences.”

The A Level students have to sit an exam on criminal law which includes learning about criminal offences and prison sentences. The visit to Shrewsbury Prison provided a fantastic opportunity for them to get a first-hand experience of life behind bars.