Primary School Pupils Explore Careers In Criminal Justice At Island Festival

More than 200 Year 6 pupils from across the Isle of Wight have been introduced to careers in criminal justice through a new educational initiative aimed at broadening horizons and inspiring future career choices.

Around 210 children from four Island primary schools took part in the inaugural Isle of Wight Primaries Festival of Criminology, a pilot project organised by the University of Portsmouth's School of Criminology in partnership with the Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service.

Designed to challenge perceptions of the criminal justice sector, the festival gave pupils the opportunity to learn about a wide range of professions, from forensic science and crime scene investigation to probation and youth justice.

As part of the event, pupils stepped into the role of crime scene investigators, working in teams to examine a mock crime scene created by University of Portsmouth academics.

Armed with a case file, they had 20 minutes to identify evidence, sketch the scene, answer investigative questions and present their conclusions.

A second workshop, led by the Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service, introduced children to the variety of careers available within the criminal justice system and highlighted the skills and qualities required for those roles.

Organisers hope the festival will encourage pupils to think more widely about future employment opportunities while breaking down stereotypes surrounding careers in the sector.

Ekine Fernandez, Enterprise and Skills Executive for Education and Post-16 Participation at The Solent Careers Hub, said:

"The Isle of Wight Primaries Festival of Criminology has been a fantastic opportunity to open young people's eyes to the wide range of careers available within the criminal justice sector.

"At primary school age, many children are only aware of a limited number of jobs, so giving them the chance to explore real-life roles such as forensic investigators, probation officers and youth justice professionals helps broaden their horizons and challenge stereotypes.

"We hope the experience has inspired pupils to think differently about their future and recognise that there are many exciting pathways available to them both locally and nationally."

Councillor Ros Freeman, Chair of the Isle of Wight Council's Children's Services, Education and Skills Committee, added:

"This is a great opportunity for children and young people.

"By introducing primary-aged pupils to careers they may never have previously considered – including forensic science, youth justice and investigative roles – we can help raise aspirations from an early age.

"It also supports the growing emphasis on careers education in primary schools, helping children make clear links between what they learn in the classroom and the opportunities available to them in the future. Who knows – we may even be inspiring some of the detectives of tomorrow."

The festival builds on research highlighting the benefits of introducing careers education at primary school age, helping children better understand the range of opportunities available and raising aspirations from an early stage.

With HMP Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Council among the Island's largest employers, organisers said criminal justice was a particularly relevant theme for the local careers initiative.

The event was developed as a pilot project by the University of Portsmouth, which stages a larger Festival of Crime in Portsmouth every two years.

The Isle of Wight version also served as a thank you to local primary schools that support the university's teacher-training placements.