Students from the Sixth Form at Bluecoat Aspley had an eye opening tour of Shrewsbury Prison this term. This prison only closed 13 years ago, and was originally built in the Victorian era. Students got to hear about life in the prison from its opening until its close.  They learnt about the use of capital punishment and how treatment of prisoners has changed over time.  Incidentally it was also the site of filming for both Time, starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham, as well as the prison scenes for Happy Valleys Tommy Lee.

Several students softened their line on punishment once they got to see the real life experience of a prisoner! This trip has definitely enhanced our Sociologists, Psychologists and Criminologist understanding of crime and punishment.

Miss Adjaout and Mrs Fairbrother