Criminology

Intent

Criminology intends to develop students’ understanding of the Criminal Justice System, including types of crime and reason that crime is committed. The course allows us to understand human behaviour, drawing on a range of disciplines including psychology, sociology, history and law. Students will develop a broad set of academic skills as well as an understanding of the policies that help to control offending. We aim to inspire, nurture and develop effective communicators and creative thinkers that question the behaviours of society and the impact this has on justice.  
Law is a fascinating subject, one which covers many aspects of life. Students will learn about law-making, English Legal System, nature of law, criminal law, contract law and tort law. Along the way students develop a range of academic skills, including the application of legal rules and principles to present an argument, analysis and evaluate the law, legal issues and concepts.
Collaborative learning 
Rich curriculum 
Insightful knowledge of the criminal justice system 
Maximising progress and potential 
Engaging debates 

Criminology

Knowledge & Skills Time of Year Assessment Homework
Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime Year 12

Autumn Term

 Periodic in class assessments.

End of criteria assessments (AC1.1 – AC3.3)

Unit 1 Controlled Assessment

(8 hours – 25% of final grade)

 Homework is set on a regular basis and independent study covers a wide range of tasks in order to develop essential skills.

Tasks and independent study may be targeted to develop wider interest in the subject, along with more focus on controlled assessment specification.

Independent study will take a wide range of forms, including-

  • Recalling information from Knowledge Organisers,
  • Online tasks,
  • Group research projects
  • TED talks
  • Written tasks,
  • Wider reading,
  • Revision and end of topic test preparation
Unit 2: Criminological Theories Year 12

Spring and Summer Term

 Timed Exam Questions

Mock Walkthrough

Unit 2 Mock

Unit 2 Exam (90 minute exam – 25% of final grade)
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom Year 12

Summer Term 

Year 13

Autumn Term

 Periodic in class assessments.

End of criteria assessments (AC1.1 – AC3.2)

Unit 3 Controlled Assessment

(8 hours – 25% of final grade)
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment Year 13

Spring and Summer Term

 Timed Exam QuestionsMock Walkthrough

Unit 4 Mock

Unit 4 Exam (90 minute exam – 25% of final grade)

Law

Knowledge & Skills Time of Year Assessment Homework
Nature of law and English Legal System Year 12

Autumn Term and Spring

 Formative and summative assessment of key terms and knowledge Homework is set on a regular basis to build independent, critical thinking.

All tasks will consolidate classroom learning and ensure that students have the skills to succeed in the external exams.

Task will include-

  • Recalling information from knowledge organisers
  • Essay writing
  • Wider reading
  • Group tasks
  • “Flipped law”
  • Revision and preparation for end of topic tests and exams.
Law making and Criminal law  Year 12 

Spring and Summer Term

 Formative and summative assessment of key terms and knowledge
Substantive Law and the law of Tort Year 13 

Autumn Term and Spring

 Formative and summative assessment of key terms and knowledge
Civil law and the law of Contract  Year 13 

Spring and Summer Term

 Formative and summative assessment of key terms and knowledge
Useful links

Careers in Criminology

Careers in Law

Law Society

Extra curricular opportunities

Visits to external organisations, such as courts, prisons and criminology conferences.

Opportunity to take part in the national Bar Mock Trial competition.

Who to contact if you want further information

Mrs D Price – d.price@abbotbeyneschool.co.uk