Schoolchildren in Norfolk can now learn about Forensic Science as part of their curriculum thanks to a pioneering partnership between Norfolk Constabulary and Wymondham College.

The Force’s Forensic Investigation department teamed up with Wymondham College to jointly produce teaching resources for Key Stage 3 students available to all schools in the county.

The new format was trialled at the Wymondham College Technology Day during the summer of 2008 and proved to be very successful.

Kate Finlay, of the college’s Technology Department, said: "The day was a great opportunity to allow our students to see the real steps that the police forensic units go through. It linked in really well with both Science and Technology and allowed students to understand that what they learn at school can be used in later life. The activities were interactive and allowed the whole school to get involved as all the teachers were suspects!"

Alan Gilbert, Head of Forensic Investigation said: "We are really keen for young people to be exposed to the wider aspects of policing and forensic science is always a very popular subject. It is hoped that the excellent work undertaken with Wymondham College will be useful to schools for Key Stage 3 lesson planning and we would be very grateful to receive any feedback."

Mike Land, Secondary Science and School Improvement Adviser with Norfolk Children's Services has quality assured the products and said, "Forensic Science is extremely popular in schools and the inclusion of it in various GCSE and BTEC type courses has led to an increased demand for teaching support and resources.

With all the will in the world, Norfolk Constabulary cannot physically provide "hands-on" help for all schools requesting it. After all, we want them out there deterring and catching criminals! This resource goes along way to meeting that need and represents an impressive collaboration between the public service and schools. I am extremely grateful to the Police and Wymondham College for the opportunity to share these resources and ideas with other Norfolk Schools."

 

The teaching resources are available now and the Schemes of work in pdf format can be downloaded below

The teaching resources that support the schemes of work are available on a CD upon request by sending a message entitled 'Forensic Science for Schools' to photographic@norfolk.pnn.police.uk and including your name and school address in the body of the message

NOTE FOR SCHOOLS USING THE MATERIAL: It is important that schools refer to the Norfolk Code of Practice Guide HS3 (Health and Safety in Secondary Science) and all CLEAPPS guidance before commencing any of the practical activities. Risk assessment for each activity should be based upon that advice.

Forensic Investigation pages

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