United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 13 Criminology.
This Year 13 Criminology curriculum explores the complex journey from the crime scene to the courtroom, alongside a critical evaluation of the criminal justice system. Students will analyse investigative techniques, the trial process, and the effectiveness of various forms of punishment and social control in modern Britain.
01From Crime Scene to Courtroom
Students will evaluate the effectiveness of personnel and techniques involved in criminal investigations. They will examine how evidence is processed and the rights of individuals during the investigative stage.
An examination of the roles of police, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, and pathologists. Students will assess how these professionals collaborate to secure evidence.
A critical look at techniques such as forensic analysis, surveillance, profiling, and eyewitness testimony. Students will evaluate the reliability and legal boundaries of these methods.
An overview of the rules of evidence collection, chain of custody, and the rights of suspects under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984.
02The Trial Process and the Judiciary
This unit delves into the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the structure of the courts, and the roles of judges and juries. Students will critically assess the fairness of the trial process.
An analysis of the CPS's role in deciding whether to charge a suspect. Students will apply the Full Code Test to hypothetical scenarios.
An exploration of the hierarchy of the courts in England and Wales, focusing on Magistrates' and Crown Courts. Students will map the journey of a defendant through the trial process.
A critical evaluation of the use of juries and lay magistrates in the criminal justice system. Students will debate the advantages and disadvantages of trial by peers.
03Crime and Punishment
Students will explore the philosophical aims of punishment, including retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation. They will evaluate how these aims are applied in the creation of laws and sentencing.
An investigation into how laws are made in Parliament and the influence of judges through judicial precedent. Students will examine the impact of public campaigns on legislation.
A philosophical and practical examination of why society punishes offenders. Students will differentiate between retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, and public protection.
An analysis of the different types of sentences available to judges, including custodial sentences, community orders, and fines. Students will evaluate their effectiveness.
04Agencies of Social Control
This unit evaluates the effectiveness of various agencies, such as the police, prisons, and probation services, in achieving social control and reducing reoffending.
An assessment of the police force's role in maintaining social control and preventing crime. Students will examine community policing and the challenges of modern law enforcement.
A critical review of the prison system in England and Wales, focusing on overcrowding, rehabilitation programmes, and the realities of custodial sentences.
An exploration of the National Probation Service and the role of charities in supporting offenders post-release and advocating for penal reform.