Visit to Lancaster Farms gives South Lakes students an insight into justice system

Around 50 students from education providers including Kirkby Lonsdale’s Queen Elizabeth School, Kendal’s Queen Katherine School and Kendal College visited Lancaster Farms earlier this year.

Lancaster Farms is an education and training centre where prisoners, aged between 18 and 21, must be in some form of education or training and are assessed for basic skills and given tutoring as required.

Students spent time asking questions to organisations that took part in the day such as the police, probation, courts, prison and restorative justice.

The trip was organised by David Gavriluk, a senior officer at Lancaster Farms.

“By taking part in the day we hope to not only eliminate some of the myths which are prevalent in the media, but also to broaden our own understanding of what crime is and how we can tackle it by working together,” he said.

“We feel it is important that students have a balanced view of the varying services which address crime and deviance and what the true role of a prison. In addition to this we are hoping to develop a mentoring programme whereby school teachers can talk to some selected young offenders about the issues they faced at school.

“This could help similar children to themselves avoid some of the mistakes the young people in custody have made in the past through poor decision making.”

During the visit the students saw how the differing services work with each other and understand the role each service offers. They also heard first hand from young offenders.

Teacher Tracey Ellis, who took four year 13 Sociology students from QKS, said: “For myself and my students it was an afternoon that challenged stereotypes and ideas that are perpetuated in the media and made us really think about the issues surrounding crime and how it is dealt with.

“The discussions in the car coming home were very reflective. “Each and every session was meaningful, purposeful and worthwhile.”