A key goal of HERO’s programme development in Nottingham was to promote to local children a positive view of their city.

‘Journeys to Nottingham’ is innovative by incorporating the journey from school to site within the resource. Schools are advised to use the city’s new Nottingham Express Transit ‘supertram’ system to take them to the start of their ‘interactive walk’ on the day of their visit.

The visit is complemented by a pre-visit session which introduces children to aspects of their own local history through the use of primary and secondary sources; developing an understanding of historical perspective, time-lining and the environmental impact of urbanisation and industrialisation throughout Nottingham’s history, since a castle first sat on Castle Mound in 1067.

Journeys to Nottingham explores the local area through four themes:

1. Transport links – how they have changed and why

2. Industry – how they have influenced people’s lives and the infrastructure of the City

3. The built environment – housing and development

4. Local people – how they used to live and how we live now.

To explore these themeschildren take on the role of ‘researchers’. Their end product being a leaflet for tourists who may be considering visiting Nottingham, with Nottingham Castle the focal point. This provides children with a target ‘audience’ for their leaflet from the outset.

Key Stage 2 pupils bring a reporter’s notebook in which to take down the information that they collect along the way. To carry on the theme of a leaflet company, the group of researchers must also have an ‘Editor in Charge’ – The class teacher!

The activities are designed to stimulate and inspire, in a fun and interactive manner, whilst also linking well into the National Curriculum across the four identified themes. Activities are interchangeable and adaptable, taking in much of the local environs, the museum and art gallery and utilising primary sources, such as directories, census returns and paintings.

 

“The entire project, from class activities to visit, flowed well. Fantastic activities.”

(Paul Tibble, Welbeck Primary School, Nottingham)

 

“I will be more confident to use local resources for trips as pupils really enjoyed it.”

 (Joanna Slattery, Lenton Primary School, Nottingham)

 

“…Thank you so much for inviting our children to take part…and for all your hard work organising great activities.”

(Cynthia Slater, Pear Tree Community Junior School, Derby)

 

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