Students see first-hand how the police uniform and truncheon developed in Victorian England.
Year 11 History students at King James I Academy have visited Ripon Prison & Police Museum to explore the history of crime and punishment in Britain and how it has changed.
The Academy believes in creating learning opportunities that are both inside and outside of the classroom. This not only increases student engagement, but it also allows young people to experience tourist attractions and venues that they may not have visited before.
The Prison & Police Museum is housed in the former Ripon Liberty Prison, which later became Ripon Police Station. During the visit, students discovered the harsh regimes of the Victorian prison system and the history of policing in Yorkshire, and they experienced life as a prisoner in the prison yard and the atmospheric prison cells. There was also an opportunity to imagine the physical punishment endured on the whipping post and the birching chair. Climbing the stone stairs, worn by the feet of many prisoners, was a poignant reminder of the many thousands of people who were imprisoned at Ripon and the brutal treatment they received.
Director of Learning for History, Ashleigh Paylor said, “It can be hard for young people to fully understand the topic of crime and punishment during the Industrial Revolution, and appreciate how much our policing and prison system has evolved; however, this museum really helps to reinforce the horrific conditions faced by prisoners in Victorian times. Students learn so much, and they are keen to discuss and debate the topic back in the classroom, which is exactly what we want.”
As part of the Academy’s commitment to learning opportunities outside of the classroom, Media students explore the use of sets, costume and props at Beamish Museum and Auckland Palace, Geography students enjoy field trips to Seaham and Tindale Retail Park, Art and Photography students visit different locations to take photos for their coursework, Food Technology students visit different restaurants to explore new cuisines and Science students enjoy workshops at Durham University and Kielder Observatory. These are just a few of the many opportunities for learning outside of the classroom.
You can read more news, request a tour or apply for a Year 7 or Sixth Form place at King James in September 2027 by visiting the link at www.kingjames1academy.co.uk
