On Monday 2nd February, Year 13 Students from the Academy and Middlesbrough College attended a one day conference about life 'Behind Bars.'

On Monday 2nd February, Year 13 Law and Sociology students joined by students studying Public Services at Middlesbrough College attended a one day conference about life 'Behind Bars.' The aim of the day was to provide students with the opportunity to speak to released prisoners and a Forensic Psychologist. It also helped to support the students understanding of the Penal System as both subjects cover units on Crime and Deviance in Year 13.

During the morning students were given an insight into the day to day running of a prison through an interactive fashion show, students were invited to wear prison attire. Students were then encouraged to work in groups to create their perfect prison followed by an analysis of a real life case assessing the evidence before deciding on what was an appropriate sentence.

After lunch students were split into small groups for a question and answer session with released prisoners who had served between four and twenty seven years in prison. Students were given the opportunity to find out the realities of prison life and some of the injustices that can sometimes occur. The released prisoners were open and honest about their experiences and the students relished the chance to find out more about what life is like 'Behind Bars.'

The event was supported by Aimhigher and was hosted by Macmillan Academy. The students thoroughly enjoyed the conference and felt the afternoon session really helped to support their learning and the syllabus they are studying.