UWTSD Hosts a Public & Legal Service Challenge Day for Year 12 Students

20 June 2024

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) welcomed six teams of Year 12 students from local schools and colleges to its Swansea Waterfront Campus recently to take part in a range of competitive challenges.

The winning team from Bishop Vaughan School and Gower College

The purpose of the day was to bring together students who are currently studying public services or who have a keen interest in studying Professional Policing, Criminology or Law in the future. It also provided students with an opportunity to visit the University campus to gain an understanding of what University life could be.

The day was organised by the University’s Widening Access team with support for the challenges by lectures and representatives from South Wales Police. The range of activities consisted of an immersive escape room, stop and search task and a court room scene activity where students took on roles of professionals within a court room setting to earn points for their team.

These were followed by a Question-and-Answer session that allowed students to question the many academics present about courses and future pathways. The Mounted Police made an appearance at the end of the day to a delighted welcome from participants and organisers alike.

Students from Bishop Vaughan School and Gower College, were victorious on the day, proving communication and collaboration are key to success! They were presented with the winner’s cup by Bronwen Williams, Academic Director of the Blue Light Academy, who said:

“This event is now in its second year and I am delighted to see how engaged and enthusiastic the students are in each of the tasks. The team has worked hard to put together interactive sessions for the students to gain some insight into law, criminology, and policing and to develop key skills required for such professions. Congratulations to the winning team.”

Steven Thomson, a Public Services Lecturer from Neath Port Talbot College said:

“It was an extremely enjoyable event for the students they were able to use the skills they have been learning about in Public Service in a well organised event for the Further Education Students.”

Erin, a student from Neath Port Talbot College said:

“It was an enjoyable day with at the University. We had loads of excitement and real-life experiences with the court room and immersive experience.”

Rebecca Mugford, a Public Services Lecturer from Gower College said:

“The Public Service and Legal day was a great opportunity for our learners. The hands-on experiences taught them lots about what UWTSD can offer and the competitive element made it enjoyable”.

Amanda Morgan, a Public Services Lecturer from Coleg Sir Gâr said:

“I found the day really enjoyable and a good experience for our learners to discover more about the role of magistrates, the stop search powers of the police as well as getting the opportunity to immerse themselves in the facilities that the university has to offer should they decide to progress to HE”.

Owen a student at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “It was good to see demonstrations from the police officers and everyone is friendly at the University”.

Carl Walker, assistant head teacher at Bishop Vaughan School said:

“Our students found the day very informative. They enjoyed the immersive experience and have gained valuable insight into the work of the police and the legal system”.

Nia and Eva, students at Bishop Vaughan School said:

“We’re both interested in public services and this experience has given us knowledge and help shape our future”.