A group of year 11 students from Thorns Collegiate Academy travelled to Shrewsbury Prison as part of their English Language study theme of Crime and Punishment, in a visit designed to deepen their understanding of the justice system.
The excursion to the Prison, also known as The Dana, offered students a structured educational programme that brought classroom learning to life. Dating back to 1793, the site now operates as a historic visitor attraction and education centre, providing guided tours and immersive workshops focused on criminology, sociology and citizenship.
During the visit, students explored the prison’s cells and took part in a guided tour that examined how the modern prison system operates in comparison. They gained insight into the challenges faced by both officers and inmates and considered how approaches to crime and punishment have developed over time.
A key element of the experience was the ‘Day in the Life of an Officer’ workshop, where students engaged in realistic scenarios encountered by prison staff. Activities included cell search exercises, adjudication role play and discussions around roles and responsibilities within the prison service. The session was designed to develop decision making, communication and analytical thinking skills.
Students were also given time for self-guided exploration, allowing them to reflect on their learning and observe the prison environment independently, reinforcing key themes from their studies.
Nikki Jones, Principal at Thorns Collegiate Academy, said: “Opportunities like this are a vital part of our curriculum because they allow students to connect academic study with real-world systems and consequences.
“For our year 11 students, being in an environment shaped by justice and incarceration helped them move beyond abstract discussion and consider how law, order and accountability operate in practice. The visit supported their ability to interpret ideas in context, build more secure understanding of the subject content and engage with the material at a deeper level than classroom study alone typically allows.”
The Academy looks forward to continuing to offer opportunities that take learning beyond the classroom and give students meaningful, real-world contexts which build on their understanding.
