BTEC Applied Science - Unit 23

Your students learn forensic science from a textbook. I bring 22 years of the real thing.

A one-day, hands-on forensic workshop mapped directly to Unit 23 learning aims. Delivered in your classroom by a practising forensic scientist who has run labs, analysed evidence, and given testimony in court.

Enquire Now
22
Years in forensic science
40+
Schools and colleges
1 Day
Full workshop delivery

The challenge with teaching Unit 23

Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis demands practical, real-world understanding. But most classrooms don't have access to someone who's actually done it.

📖

Theory without practice

Students study crime scene procedures, evidence handling, and analysis techniques from textbooks. Without real-world context, the concepts stay abstract and difficult to apply in assessments.

🔬

No access to forensic expertise

General science teachers deliver forensic content outside their specialism. Students can't ask "What actually happens in a forensic lab?" and get an answer grounded in experience.

📋

Assessment evidence gaps

Distinction-level work requires depth of understanding that's hard to achieve from classroom resources alone. Students need exposure to real forensic practice to produce their best work.

Mapped directly to Unit 23 learning aims

Every hour of the workshop is designed to support what your students need to know, understand, and demonstrate for their Unit 23 assessments.

Learning Aim A

Gather forensic evidence with integrity

Students learn how real forensic scientists approach evidence gathering, health and safety protocols, and why integrity underpins everything.

  • Chain of custody procedures and documentation
  • Evidence packaging, labelling, and preservation
  • Health and safety in forensic environments
  • Roles: SOCO, CSI, lab technician, reporting officer
  • Real-world case studies of documentation failures
Fully covered
Learning Aim B

Investigate a simulated crime scene

Students work through a hands-on crime scene simulation, collecting biological, chemical, and physical evidence using proper forensic procedures.

  • Mock crime scene set up in your classroom
  • Fingerprint lifting and analysis
  • Fibre and hair evidence collection
  • Shoe mark comparison and documentation
  • Crime scene photography and sketch mapping
Fully covered
Learning Aim C

Scientific analysis of evidence

Students explore biological, chemical, and physical analysis techniques used in real forensic labs, with practical demonstrations.

  • Biological evidence: blood, hair, DNA principles
  • Chemical evidence: drug testing, residue analysis
  • Physical evidence: footprints, documents, fibres
  • Limitations of forensic evidence and techniques
  • How forensic labs actually operate day-to-day
Fully covered
Learning Aim D

Report findings and present to court

Students learn how to interpret forensic results, write expert statements, and present conclusions - including a mock court exercise.

  • Writing forensic examination statements
  • Presenting evidence as an expert witness
  • Mock court exercise with cross-examination
  • Understanding the judicial process and roles
  • Real cases and how evidence was presented
Fully covered

What a workshop day looks like

A single day with one group of up to 30 students. Morning through afternoon, covering principles to practice.

Morning Session 1
Principles of Forensic Science
Introduction to how forensic science works in the real world. Evidence types, the forensic process from crime scene to courtroom, roles and responsibilities, and the critical importance of contamination prevention and chain of custody.
Aim A
Morning Session 2
Crime Scene Investigation - Hands-on
Students investigate a simulated crime scene. Fingerprint lifting, fibre collection, shoe mark comparison, evidence documentation, packaging and labelling. Every student participates in evidence recovery.
Aim B Aim C
Afternoon Session 1
Evidence Analysis and Forensic Techniques
Deeper exploration of biological, chemical, and physical analysis techniques. DNA technology, PCR, trace evidence, and the real-world limitations of forensic evidence. Drawing on specific cases and lab experience.
Aim C
Afternoon Session 2
Statements, Expert Testimony and Mock Court
Students write forensic statements and present their findings in a mock court exercise. Understanding expert witness procedures, cross-examination, and how forensic evidence is challenged in the judicial system.
Aim D
Close
Careers in Forensic Science
Honest, practical insight into careers in the forensic science sector. What the roles actually involve, how to get there, and what the industry looks like today.
Enrichment

Not a science communicator. A forensic scientist.

I'm Den Kara, and I've spent 22 years working in forensic science - not talking about it from the outside, but doing it every day. I've managed forensic labs, led multi-disciplinary teams, and given expert testimony in court as a reporting officer.

When your students ask "What's it actually like?", I give them an answer based on having done it. That's the difference between enrichment that fills a timetable slot and a workshop that transforms their understanding.

  • 22 years in forensic science, specialising in DNA technology
  • Managed multiple forensic laboratories
  • Reporting officer - expert witness in court proceedings
  • Speaker at the Science Museum, London
  • Royal Institution Wednesday evening lectures
  • Contributor to the Royal Society Christmas lectures on DNA profiling
  • Featured in Independent Schools Magazine
22
Years in forensic science
40+
Schools and colleges served
DNA
Technology specialism
Court
Expert witness experience

Schools keep calling back

"The workshop brought forensic science to life in a way our textbooks simply can't. Students were engaged from the first minute to the last, and the mock court exercise was a genuine highlight of their year."
BTECH Teacher - Ark Academy
"Having a real forensic scientist in the classroom completely changed how our students approached their Unit 23 assignments. The depth of understanding they gained in one day was remarkable."
BTEC Coordinator - Stanmore College
"We've booked Den three years running now. Each new cohort of students gets the same quality, hands-on experience. It's become an essential part of our Applied Science programme."
BTECH Teacher - Isaac Newton School

Trusted by schools and colleges across London

Ark Academies (40+ workshops) • Stanmore College • Lady Margaret School • Northcote School • Oxford Royal Academy • Prince's Trust partnerships • Cathedral School • Swaminarayan School • and more

Common questions from tutors

How does the workshop align with Unit 23 assessment requirements?
The workshop is structured around all four learning aims (A through D) of Unit 23: Forensic Evidence, Collection and Analysis. Your students will gain practical experience in evidence gathering, crime scene investigation, scientific analysis, and presenting findings - all of which directly support their internally assessed assignments.
What do you need from us to run the workshop?
A classroom or lab space and your students. I bring everything needed for the practical exercises, including materials for fingerprint analysis, fibre comparison, shoe mark activities, and the mock court exercise. We'll discuss your specific curriculum focus beforehand so the day is tailored to your group.
How many students can attend?
The workshop is designed for a single group of up to 30 students. This keeps it practical and interactive - every student gets hands-on time with the exercises rather than watching from the back of a lecture hall.
Can you tailor the content to our specific cohort?
Absolutely. Every workshop is bespoke. Before the day, I'll discuss your students' level, what they've already covered, any specific learning aims you'd like me to emphasise, and what would be most useful for their upcoming assessments. Some schools want more time on the mock court, others want deeper crime scene work.
Where do you deliver workshops?
I come to you. I deliver workshops at schools and colleges across London and the surrounding areas. The workshop runs in your own classroom or lab space, so there's no need to arrange transport or an off-site visit.
What about cost?
Every workshop is tailored to your group's needs, so I provide a quote after our initial conversation. Get in touch and we can discuss your requirements - I'm always happy to work within school budgets.

Enquire about a Unit 23 workshop

Tell me about your students and I'll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss how we can make it work.

We'll respond within 24 hours

Give your students the real thing

One day in the classroom with a forensic scientist who has lived it. That's what makes the difference between textbook knowledge and genuine understanding.

Enquire Now
We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours