UWTSD’s Swansea Law School Academy Students Step into the Shoes of Probation Officers
Students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Swansea Law School Academy, delivered in partnership with Gower College Swansea, have taken part in a unique hands-on experience designed to immerse them in the role of probation officers.
As part of the academy’s practical learning sessions, students took part in a mock courtroom exercise, interviewing two defendants and produced detailed pre-sentence reports based on their findings. The activity allowed learners to develop key professional skills such as investigative interviewing, analytical thinking, and report writing, all essential to careers in law and criminal justice.
The final part of the day was held in the Immersive Room, which had been transformed into a courtroom to create a dynamic effect, thanks to the immersive team at The University of Wales Trintiy Saint David.
This session was coordinated by UWTSD’s Swansea Law School Academy in collaboration with the University’s Student Recruitment & Outreach team.
This year’s cohort have had the opportunity to work with Dyfed Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police. The partnership aims to demonstrate that education isn’t limited to the classroom and opens doors to exciting careers, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Students praised the experience, highlighting the blend of practical learning and professional insight. Jack and Kaitlin, both students at Gower College Swansea added:
“This year we took part in the Academy, and in this session, we had the opportunity to act as probation officers. We interviewed defendants and had to propose an appropriate sentence, as well as identify a relevant risk factor based on the interview. We then presented our findings to the judges, who voted for or against our recommendations and the defendant.”
Ifan Thomas, from UWTSD’s Student Recruitment & Outreach team, said:
“I’ve truly enjoyed watching the academy students grow in confidence and take on each challenge. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their progress and how they’ve developed throughout the experience.”
During the day, two former students of Gower College, Tom, and Travis, who attended the Academy last year have now joined the UWTSD Fire and Rescue Leadership course and are also serving as an on-call firefighter spoke with the students about their own journeys. They shared that they would never have considered this career path without the opportunities provided through the Academy.
Victoria Slade, from UWTSD’s Student Recruitment & Outreach team, said:
“Today was a fantastic day seeing students from last year’s academy join the BA Fire and Rescue Leadership course at UWTSD. Tom came in to speak to the students from Gower College about the course and how the academy had impacted his career choices. He mentioned that, without it, he’d likely be at home playing Xbox instead of studying at university and being on call with Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service. Additionally, it was great to see how the students who were playing probation officers handled sensitive information with such respect and empathy. Their professionalism and approach were truly impressive.”
Laura Knight, Lecturer at Swansea Law School, said:
“My heart was truly melted today with admiration as I watched two members from last year’s academy cohort come in and speak to the students. It was so moving to see them share their experiences and how far they’ve come since completing the academy.”
“In addition, it was wonderful to hear that so many of them have chosen to continue their studies with us. It’s so rewarding to see how the academy has inspired them to take that next step.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476