29 January 2025
Ms Mariyam Batka, Teacher of Psychology
A recent visit from Helen Elliot gave Upper Sixth students studying psychology the opportunity to understand the real-life application of restorative justice – the theory of which we study in our forensic psychology unit.
Helen, a dedicated volunteer with the charity Prison Fellowship, introduced us to the Sycamore Tree Course, a six-week initiative designed to help offenders understand the impact of their crimes and take responsibility for their actions. She explained how the course is structured, detailing how participants engage with key principles of restorative justice through discussions, personal reflection, and interaction with trained facilitators. A particularly intriguing aspect of the programme is the use of religious stories to illustrate these principles, allowing learners to connect with the concepts on a deeper, moral level.
Throughout her talk, Helen shared compelling case studies that highlighted the transformative impact of the course. She described how participants often undergo profound personal growth, developing empathy for their victims and a renewed sense of accountability. Her stories painted a picture of positive change - something not often reflected in mainstream media coverage of the prison system. As Helen aptly put it: "It is always a pleasure for me to talk about restorative justice and the way that the Sycamore Tree Course impacts both learners and facilitators in a prison setting. There are many good news stories coming out of our prisons, but this is not often what the media focuses on!"
Our group was highly engaged throughout the session, asking insightful questions about the practical applications of restorative justice. Helen shared how impressed she was with their curiosity and enthusiasm.
Helen’s visit reinforced the importance of restorative justice as a means of healing for both offenders and victims. Her work with the Prison Fellowship charity is a testament to the positive impact that such initiatives can have, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from her first-hand experience. The session left us with a greater appreciation of the potential for redemption and the role that psychology can play in fostering justice and reconciliation.