Year 10 Legal Studies Excursion to Pentridge Prison

The morning began with a guided tour through the prison grounds, allowing students to explore the various units and gain a sense of what life behind the bluestone walls once looked like. A particular highlight was the visit to the notorious H Division. Known as the strictest part of Pentridge Prison, H Division enforced military style discipline where prisoners were required to walk at quick march speed at all times. This strict regime aimed to enforce absolute control and order.

Seeing the harsh living conditions first hand helped students connect their classroom learning to real life. They learnt that while Pentridge certainly achieved its aim of punishment, rehabilitation was far less successful, with nearly two thirds of prisoners later returning to custody for committing other crimes.

This excursion gave our students a memorable learning experience and encouraged thoughtful reflection on justice, responsibility and the role of correctional institutions in society.