It was a glorious day when 38 Year 12 sociology and criminology students from Shiplake College travelled to London for an insightful visit to two of the country’s most significant legal institutions: the Central Criminal Court – better known as the Old Bailey – and Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The trip also featured a visit to the tourist attraction The London Dungeons for an insight into historical crime and punishment.
Led by Ms Kate Magee, Head of Sociology and Criminology, the trip was supported by Mr Beckett (Chemistry Teacher), Miss Taylor (Rowing Coach), and Mr Hargreaves (Digital Marketing Officer). The group set off from Shiplake Station and, upon arriving in London, split into two groups at Paddington to maximise their time across both court venues.
Throughout the morning, students observed a range of live cases, gaining an invaluable, real-world perspective on the criminal justice system. The cases covered a spectrum of offences, including those linked to drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and even murder. For many students, it was a powerful opportunity to see the theories and topics they are studying brought vividly to life.
Z Reichman, a criminology student, reflected on the experience: “It was very interesting to see how a murder trial is handled – the evidence presented and how the offender behaves in the dock.”
After an engaging morning in court, the groups reunited on London’s South Bank, where they enjoyed lunch in the sunshine, taking the opportunity to relax and reflect on what they had witnessed. The day concluded with a visit to the London Dungeon, which, while entertaining (and spooky), also explores the history of some notable crimes, including the Gunpowder Plot and the Jack the Ripper murders.
Reflecting on the trip, Ms Magee emphasised the importance of experiential learning: “I think it's important to allow students to experience their subjects outside of the classroom. For criminology and sociology, the courts allow the students to see for themselves how our Criminal Justice System operates. All of human life is there. Just going into the courts brings a whole world of knowledge to life for our students.”
The trip proved to be both educational and memorable, offering students a deeper understanding of the justice system while reinforcing their classroom learning in an engaging and meaningful way.
