Science students at NCC got all the experience of crime scene investigation when forensic specialists visited the College.
The Level 3 Extended Diploma Forensic Science Students covered everything from fingerprint development to fire investigation during an action-packed day with Dr Gary Currie, a former Crime Scene Manager with Cleveland Police, and Ian Parker, a lecturer in Forensic and Crime Scene Science at Teesside University.
During the in-depth enrichment sessions, students also got hands on casting firearms’ barrels and looking for ballistics and gunshot residue, as well as exploring DNA recovery and the difficulties in tracing blood that has been removed from a crime scene using various products.
The visit was aimed at broadening the horizons of students who are thinking of going on to study forensic science at University after they leave NCC.
One of those is Bradley Edwards, 17, from Colne, who is looking to do criminal investigation and forensics at the University of Central Lancashire.
Bradley said: “It’s been really good and has improved my knowledge.
“We looked at a wide range of crime scene investigations. I’m looking to go into forensics so it’s been fantastic for me.
“I really enjoy days like these because you do learn a lot.”
According to latest government statistics, NCC is top in the area for vocational studies, based on progress scores.
Science teacher Charlotte Hamblet said: “It was a very good day. At NCC, we are committed to welcoming industry experts into the College, to enhance our students’ learning experience and get them thinking about their future.
“Students had the chance to get to grips with the processes that take place in a forensic investigation and learn what type of courses there are out there to study in the future. This will really help them going forward.
“Having experts visit the College also provides NCC with the opportunity to build links with universities too so from an overall point of view it has worked really well.”
As well as forensic science, other popular routes Vocational Science students have taken following their studies at NCC include Criminology, Crime Scene Investigation, Biomedical Science and Radiography.
The next Year 11 Open Event takes place on Wednesday 1st February between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. There will be opportunity for visitors to talk to expert tutors, tour our facilities, take part in ‘have a go’ activities, and gather more information about courses they are interested in studying at NCC.
For more information about Nelson and Colne College contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk
