Children and young people from three Nottingham schools have been learning about key events in History thanks to the enthusiasm of University students. Volunteers from the Student Union History Society ran a range of activities at Beeston Rylands Junior School, John Clifford Primary School and Chilwell School. The activities served the dual purpose of sharing knowledge and enthusiasm whilst providing an opportunity for the students to gain some experience of working in schools. The project was developed through close collaboration between the schools, the History Society and the University’s Community Partnerships Team which resulted in a number of tailored activities.
Kevin Briffett, Headteacher at Beeston Rylands School, said, “The club took World War II as a focus and each session saw the children acquiring the skills necessary to be a History Detective. The children loved working with the students. They hot seated characters from Goodnight Mr Tom; they worked out clues about the owners of various bags of belongings; they acted as reporters using WW2 photos and they devised their own rationing. This was hands-on history and the children loved it.”
Student Teresa Phipps added, “It was challenging yet enjoyable and I feel it opened my eyes to working with younger children. It was great to see our hard work in planning pay off as the children enjoyed the activities and came up with some great ideas.”
Other activities included studying the Victorians, the American Civil Rights movement and tips and advice on essay writing. Please contact Lisa Owen for further information about this project.
Posted on Wednesday 9th December 2009