BTEC Applied Science students at Solihull Sixth Form College have been trying their hand at forensics with a mock crime scene investigation set up in College last week.
Year 13 learners on the Extended Diploma course – equivalent to taking three A levels – study a unit called Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis, which requires them to consider the work that crime scene investigators do. As it is a practical exercise, with a fake crime scene set up in a classroom, the activity always brings the unit to life for the students.
As part of the activity, which was assessed by their teacher to go towards their final mark, the students had to set up a crime scene cordon and do a risk assessment, as well as identify, mark and photograph all evidence they thought would be pertinent to the investigation. The scene they were presented with was a bedroom, which they were told a dead body had been found in. Among the forensic clues present were a broken window, bloodstains, fingerprints and assorted items scattered across the room.
Simon Windsor, Chemistry and Applied Science Curriculum Leader, commented:
“The practical activities are the parts of the course that our students enjoy most and this mock crime scene is usually their favourite exercise. It was great to see them collaborating in small groups to complete this assignment with such enthusiasm. They were very professional, wearing full PPE and considering all aspects of crime scene contamination in everything they did.”
The BTEC Applied Science course involves elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the course and is an ideal qualification for learners looking for a broad science course. The majority of students progress onto university after completing the course, studying a range science-related degrees including Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Optometry and Audiology.
12 December 2023