Year 13 Sociology Students Explore the Birmingham Police Museum

During the trip, students explored the museum’s historic Victorian lock-up, gaining a fascinating insight into how policing and punishment have evolved over time. They had the opportunity to see original prison cells, discover what daily life was like for both officers and detainees, and examine real artefacts connected to past criminal investigations.

The visit was made even more memorable by a guided tour from Sue, one of the museum’s knowledgeable volunteers. Speaking with real passion, she explained the development of policing and how social policies and changing public attitudes have shaped the criminal justice system we see today. Students engaged enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions on a wide range of topics, from the era of the Peaky Blinders to modern strategies for tackling knife crime.

The interactive discussions encouraged students to make strong links between their classroom learning and real-world examples, particularly key sociological concepts such as labelling, power, and moral panics.

Overall, the visit provided an engaging and meaningful real-world context for A-Level Sociology, deepening students’ understanding of crime, policing, and social order, while inspiring lively discussion and critical thinking beyond the classroom.