John Taylor High School were once again thrilled to host the annual JTMAT Forensic Science Day which saw over 50 young scientists from primary and secondary schools within the JTMAT take part. The purpose of the challenge was to encourage pupils to use scientific skills in a staged environment, using real materials and props to collate evidence, draw conclusions, present their findings and build on their skills.
With the help of the incredible science department, Mrs Clarke led and facilitated the days. Mrs Clarke, who has worked as a Forensic Scientist, noted how the event continues to evolve each year, specifically the impressive authenticity of the props, crime scenes and investigative scenarios which she writes and creates. She emphasised that this hands-on, experiential learning can create the most impactful educational opportunities for both the primary and secondary pupils.
Participating secondary schools included: John Taylor High School, John Taylor Free School, Chase Terrace Academy, Blythe Bridge High School and Kingsmead High School.
Participating primary schools included: Needwood Primary School, The Mosely Academy, Yoxall Primary School, Whittington Primary School, Shobnall Primary School, Walton Primary School, Rykneld Primary School and All Saints Rangemore.
The days were supported by two Magistrates who very kindly volunteered their time to help with our event and acted as Chair person during the presentations. We also were supported by a member of the governing body and one of our exam invigilators who helped with the day and sat on the jury judging panel. Many thanks to our panel.
Read more about the challenges below.
Secondary School Task: The secondary task was to investigate a missing person’s murder case using evidence such as foot wear marks, debris from burnt clothing, blood and bodily fluid. A dead body and decapitated head was also discovered after it had been discarded in the wheelie bin rubbish amongst other objects. The pupils really got into character with suits, gloves, masks, hairnets and shoes covers to get a real understanding of what a real forensic scientist would be required to wear. It was their job as forensic scientists to investigate what happened. Once evidence had been collected at the scene, the investigation progressed to DNA profiling, toxicology and pathology testing which assisted them with their conclusions. The level of work was of an exceptional quality. To finish the day, the pupils presented their findings to a jury with key witnesses, before the winners of task were announced.
Primary School Task: The primary task was all centred around a magic kingdom in which the pupils would need to investigate numerous scenarios around the school…or kingdom! These included Snow White’s contaminated apples, a break in at Cinderella’s slipper company, reports that someone is selling fake pens using Rapunzel’s name and some valuable items stolen items from Aladdin’s cave. It was exciting for the primary pupils to put their suits, gloves and mask on as they set about with their investigations. They tested the evidence through several scientific experiments such as chromatography and footwear mark comparison which they really enjoyed. They then presented their findings to our guest magistrate who chose the winner, based on their rationale and conclusion.
Trophy Presentations
To finish, the winners of each challenge were announced and presented a trophy by Mr Blanchenot, JTHS Headteacher. He gave his sincere appreciation to Mrs Clarke for making the event a resounding success, setting up the scenes, creating the props and sharing her undeniable passion and remarkable forensic science skills throughout the day:
Primary Winners: Walton Primary School & Secondary Winners: John Taylor High School
