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Legal Studies Workshops
Crime Story: Year 12 HSC Legal Studies & Years 9-10 Elective Workshops
In the Year 12 HSC Legal Studies and Years 9-10 Electives, students will take charge of a comprehensive criminal investigation. They will explore everything from forensic procedures and suspect interviews to compiling evidence and conducting a trial.
A Hands-On Workshop Aligning Legal Studies with Real-World Scenarios
Crime Story brings the courtroom directly to your school, offering students a comprehensive criminal investigation experience. From forensic procedures and suspect interviews to evidence compilation and trial conduct, this immersive workshop addresses legal, ethical, and moral dilemmas while aligning with NESA requirements. It serves as an engaging alternative to traditional learning.
This program also has applicability to Criminology, Crime and Punishment, Philosophy, and Big Picture electives. Through the exploration of the intricate nature and ethical considerations of criminal justice, students can engage in critical discussions that go beyond the traditional boundaries of learning. It encourages a deeper understanding of societal issues related to crime, prompting students to think critically about justice, morality, and the implications of their choices in a broader context.
Workshop Highlights
Real Crime Scenes
Engage with 6 x 2.25-meter digitally printed backdrops, featuring authentic and simulated evidence such as shell casings and DNA samples. Navigate through interconnected crime scenes to follow the evidence and learn from experienced detectives.
Hands-On Forensics
Utilise genuine forensic tools and techniques, including fingerprinting, evidence gathering, and crime scene analysis.
Workshop Structure
Pre-Session (1 or 2 Days)
Setup & Material Preparation:
Organising resources and making sure all materials are ready for the workshop.
Professional Development:
A one-hour training session (in-person or Zoom) for staff covering key legal concepts and experiential learning strategies.
Facilitator Materials:
Distribution of prompt cards, key terms, and instructional guides to support educators during the workshop.
Flexible Scheduling: Options for both one-day and two-day workshop formats to accommodate school needs.
Immersive Workshops
Day One (Optimised for 1 Day)
- Introduction to Crime and the Criminal Justice System (CJS)
- Observation vs. Inference; Exculpatory vs. Inculpatory Evidence
- Categorisation of Offences (e.g., Person, Economic, Drugs)
- Criminal Investigation Procedures: Evidence gathering, technology use, and legal processes
- Integrated Challenges: Addressing discretion, compliance, moral reflections, law reform, and stakeholder interests
- Contemporaneous crimes/case studies aligned to NESA curriculum
- Group presentation of findings and the reveal.
Day Two
Trial Process:
Understanding jurisdiction, the adversarial system, burden of proof, and the use of evidence
Brief Preparation:
Evaluating evidence and preparing opening and closing statements
Mock Trial:
Full participation from the whole school or large groups for a complete courtroom experience
Additional Features
Workbooks and Supplies:
Gloves, evidence bags, and clipboards are provided.
Prizes:
Detective Pack prizes and other rewards for outstanding performance.
Expertise and Customisation
- Our workshops are led by professionals who each have over 15 years of experience in criminal investigation (over 30 years combined), along with 12 years of experience in teaching.
- Flexible 1- or 2-day packages tailored to school priorities and curriculum needs.
- Content can be divided between Year 11 and Year 12, with periodic thematic updates to maintain engagement.
- Option for some Zoom sessions to be conducted in person.
Hot Seat Package
Writing Assessment: This includes the assessment of three writing samples with live feedback and consolidation of learning.
Post Session Trial/Reveal:
This serves as the culminating event where students showcase their investigative work and engage in a realistic mock trial, demonstrating their grasp of criminal law and courtroom procedures.
What They Say
“The Crime Story workshops, using practical activities, helped me gain confidence and understanding in structuring my Mod C response for the HSC. Additionally, it provided clear pathways for how to enhance my creative writing through the exploration of authentic dialogue and dynamic imagery. Thank you so much for your dedication in your students Luke!”
Claire M.
“The immersive and fun nature of the Crime Story workshop I attended allowed for a better, more engaging way of learning integral yet transferable skills that will aid in my studies at university. Through the critical appraisal of literary techniques, such as lexical chaining, the Crime Story workshop positively aided my performance in the HSC, as my individual skills were supported and guided to produce increasingly advanced literary pieces. As the workshop was exceedingly interactive, it presented a more comfortable and successful teaching experience beyond school classrooms. With heightened value on each student, Crime Story workshops build confidence in literary abilities, pushing boundaries of individuals’ achievements.”
Sophie O.
“Explosive fusion of passion and resilience to encourage and empower so many, both today and ahead. A must see to gain insight into soft and transferable skills, how to best communicate your story… and the fun process of having a go- being in life!”
Lati
"You are both incredible at what you do! I don't think I have seen a more engaging incursion-
excursion before that had all the students, and us, hooked from start to finish”
Freeman College
“Our HSC Craft of Writing results were the best ever for Scots All Saints. Crime Story really gets
the creative juices flowing for students who may not traditionally be confident with imaginative writing”
Leigh Morrisey HOD Scots All Saints 2023
“Hands down the best experience I’ve been involved with in 30 years of teaching”
Sarah, Domremy College
“Your staff were able to assist and guide their ‘thinking’, allowing for contextual understanding and creativity. If they could not quite verbalise what they wanted, the visuals were the back-up.
I liked the use of phones for taking evidence photos for future reference. Those students that have an addiction to their phone declared they could then use it any time of the day – no, this is not how the process works was my reminder!
Loved the time schedules. It prompted me to forge ahead with this again in my classes as it had gone by the wayside a bit. So important for students (and ours!) time management as there are quite a few that benefit from this on-task directive. I appreciate the reminders and prompts of effective class management.”
“What was phenomenal is the morphing of real-life experiences with creativity. This inspires me and has the potential to create endless scenarios, simply from lived experiences appropriate for whichever student dynamics you are working with.
Language use was excellent, as were the handouts. This is something I am continuously embedding in my lessons to stay proactive with terminology and language for both myself and the kids. Do they respond positively? Well something has to be a work in progress.
I’m excited to follow your journey and look forward to seeing you both again. I am in the process of embedding their post ‘Crime Story’ creative writing task (Yr10) into class time once we have completed our movie (Freedom Writers) this week.”
Cassie M., Teacher, Kempsey Adventist School
Elevate your students’ learning experience with Crime Story Legal Studies Workshop, where education meets real-world application!
Why Choose Crime Story?
This Is About You
Learning is centred around inquiry, deeper questions, and problem-solving. Every subject invites questioning, offering multiple answers and unique perspectives. My aim is to teach in a way that encourages everyone to embrace their individuality and achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their perceived abilities.
Bringing Learning Opportunities to Everyone
We believe that everyone can succeed and deserves access to our programs. Based regionally, we prioritise equitable access for rural, coastal, and urban areas. Our mobile and flexible approach addresses the lack of learning opportunities outside major cities. We provide detailed feedback to schools and individuals, collaborating with your strengths and teaching methods to help you reach your goals.
Transferable Skills
How can you apply the skills you’ve learned in other areas? This focus on transferable skills is what makes Crime Story unique. We equip you with the tools to investigate life-sized crime scenes, pose your own questions, and utilise real forensic techniques like fingerprinting and DNA swabbing. Whether you’re building narratives or honing research and evaluation skills for writing, the possibilities are endless.
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