More than 200 Isle of Wight primary school pupils have stepped into the world of criminal justice as part of a pioneering Festival of Criminology designed to inspire the next generation of forensic scientists, probation officers and crime investigators.

Up to 210 Year 6 pupils from four Island primary schools took part in the Isle of Wight Primaries Festival of Criminology, a pilot initiative led by the University of Portsmouth’s School of Criminology in partnership with the Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service.

The event aimed to broaden young people’s understanding of careers within the criminal justice sector, challenge stereotypes and introduce them to opportunities they may never have previously considered.

During the sessions, pupils became crime scene investigators for the day as they tackled a hands-on forensic challenge delivered by academics from the University of Portsmouth.

Working from a case file, children were given 20 minutes to examine a specially created crime scene, gather evidence and answer questions relating to the incident. They also sketched the scene and discussed their findings before presenting their conclusions.

A second workshop, led by the Isle of Wight Youth Justice Service, explored the wide variety of careers available across the criminal justice system.

Pupils learned about roles ranging from probation officers and youth justice practitioners to investigators and forensic specialists, as well as the skills and qualities needed to succeed in those professions.

Organisers hope the festival will encourage young people to think more broadly about future career opportunities and help challenge misconceptions about who can work within the criminal justice sector.

Ekine Fernandez, Enterprise and Skills Executive for Education and Post-16 Participation for The Solent Careers Hub, said: “The Isle of Wight Primaries Festival of Criminology has been a fantastic opportunity to open young people’s eyes to the wide range of careers available within the criminal justice sector.

“At primary school age, many children are only aware of a limited number of jobs, so giving them the chance to explore real-life roles such as forensic investigators, probation officers and youth justice professionals helps broaden their horizons and challenge stereotypes.

“We hope the experience has inspired pupils to think differently about their future and recognise that there are many exciting pathways available to them both locally and nationally.”

Councillor Ros Freeman, chair of the Isle of Wight Council’s children’s services, education and skills committee, added: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people. By introducing primary-aged pupils to careers they may never have previously considered – including forensic science, youth justice and investigative roles – we can help raise aspirations from an early age.

“It also supports the growing emphasis on careers education in primary schools, helping children make clear links between what they learn in the classroom and the opportunities available to them in the future. Who knows – we may even be inspiring some of the detectives of tomorrow.”

The initiative builds on growing evidence showing the benefits of introducing careers education at primary school level.

Research from The Careers & Enterprise Company’s Start Small; Dream Big programme found that career-related learning helps broaden children’s awareness of the world of work, raises aspirations and challenges stereotypes from an early age.

The evaluation also found pupils became more aware of different career opportunities beyond those encountered through family and friends.

With HMP Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Council among the Island’s largest employers, organisers felt criminal justice provided a strong focus for a locally relevant careers initiative.

The Festival of Criminology was developed as a pilot project by the University of Portsmouth, which runs a larger Festival of Crime event in Portsmouth every two years.

The Island version was also intended as a thank you to local primary schools that host university teacher-training placements.