Student super sleuths to the rescue

Sixth-form pupils, from Aberdare Community School (ACS), were asked to become detectives at a special crime-themed event at the University of South Wales (USW).

The group of pupils arrived at the University’s Pontypridd campus and were briefed with a scenario where a laboratory had been broken into by suspected animal rights protestors.

Presented with evidence in various forms, the group approached the problem with help from USW academics from policing, public services, forensic science, and criminology.

They had a chance to view evidence via virtual-reality video footage, and even used a laboratory to forensically test evidence. They joined up all the different parts to put a case together against the suspects.

Nathan Keeble, Leader of Learning and Assistant Progress Leader for Year 12/13, ACS, said: “Today has been superb. The group were really engaged with the exercise presented to the and enjoyed acting as police and forensic scientists. Thank you to USW for inviting us and for hopefully inspiring some criminologists and police officers of the future.”

Helen Martin, Head of Policing and Criminology at USW, said: “We are delighted at how popular these events have been with schools and colleges. We have even had waiting lists for some dates.

“We aim to get these young adults to think critically and from different perspectives, ultimately giving them a taster of subjects they could go on to study when they leave school. The ACS pupils had a great time and would make excellent university students one day.”