Video Conferencing Sessions at the National Coal Mining Museum for England

The following Video Conferencing sessions are available from the National Coal Mining Museum for England:

VC SESSION - NO ESCAPE! 

Learning Outcomes. This activity provides the opportunity for informal group discussion and for a prepared debate).

• To extract and interpret information and ideas; sifting the relevant from the irrelevant and distinguishing between facts and opinion
• To understand of the facts of the Hartley Colliery disaster
• To work co-operatively to evaluate facts; explain and justify a point of view; make hypotheses; and explore, shape and express their ideas, feelings and opinions)
• To presented information and points of view clearly and appropriately
• To listen and respond constructively to others, taking different views into account.

This activity takes the form of an Inquest into the Hartley Colliery disaster (1862) in which the teacher is the Coroner and the class take on the role of the Jury.

After examining a number of witness statements and documents, students cross-examine the mine owner, Lord Hastings (role played by one of the Museum's Living History Interpreters) via videoconference to find out who is to blame for the disaster. During a break in the videoconference, pupils examine a further statement and then meet Lord Hastings for the final time before the class have to reach a their verdict.

The unit of work can be broken down into any number of lessons but the ideal is probably three. A teacher's pack is available to support the classroom activities which need to be completed prior to the videoconference.

"This activity was an excellent opportunity for students to develop their Speaking and Listening skills. Students responded with great enthusiasm to Lord Hastings.  Some of them seemed to be preparing for a future in law as they mercilessly cross-examined their key witness!"  - Cate Gleeson, Head of English

Available: On Mondays and Tuesdays by arrangement with Education staff.

Suitability: Suitable for KS3 pupils and KS4 pupils. Could be used a formal speaking and listing assessment.

National Curriculum Links: It is an excellent opportunity for pupils to speak and listen in contexts beyond the classroom and for cross-curricular work with History and Citizenship.

History Key Concepts:1.6 Interpretation. Key Processes:2.2 Using evidence. Range and Content: 3 British history.

English Key Concepts: 1.1 Competence (a,b,d,e), 1.2 Creativity (d),1.4 Critical Understanding (a-c). Key Processes: 2.1 Speaking and Listening (a-i), 2.2 Reading (a,b,e,f). Range and Content: 3.1 Speaking and Listening (a,b,e),3.2 Reading (h,i). Curriculum Opportunities: 4.1 Speaking and Listening (b,f,i), 4.2 Reading (c).

VC SESSION - A BEVIN BOY REMEMBERS

Learning outcomes:

• to understand why there was an increased need for miners during WW2
• to learn why and how Bevin boys were chosen
• to understand what it was like to work down a mine
• to know that Bevin boys made an important contribution to WW2

This workshop introduces pupils to coal mining's contribution to the Second World War. One of our living history interpreters takes on the role of an ex-Bevin Boy, Jeff, who, using a suitcase full of objects and documents from his past, shares his memories of WW2 as a Bevin boy.

Jeff explains how he was conscripted to work in the mines during the war, why coal mining was so important to the war effort and what it was like to work underground.

Pupils also have the opportunity to ask Jeff questions at the end.

Available: Mondays 9.30-10.00; 14.30-15.00

Suitability: This session is most suitable for pupils who have been studying WW2 and is aimed at KS2 pupils. Pupils will get the most out of the workshop if they have some basic knowledge of WW2 and the home front.

National Curriculum Links:

KS2 History: Knowledge, skills and understanding: 1a-b; 2a-d; 3; 4a-b, b; 7, 11b. Breadth of Study: 7 Local history study; 11 Britain since 1930.

Literacy:Strand 1 speaking; Strand 2 listening and responding

QCA Links: History Unit 9, Section 6; 'In what other ways might have the war affected people?' History Unit 18: 'What was it like to live here in the past?'

VC SESSION - MEET A MINER

Learning outcomes:

• to understand what the working conditions underground for miners were like
• to recognise items of protective clothing worn by a miner
• to know what a typical working day for a miner would entail.

Take the opportunity to meet one of our mining guides and hear first hand, what it was like to work underground. The mining guide will take you through a typical working day; explain the dangers and the thrills of working in a mine and give pupils an insight into the mining industry. Pupils will also be able to ask their own questions at the end.

Available: Thursdays 9.30-10.00; 14.30-15.00

Suitability: This session is aimed at KS2 pupils and is most appropriate for pupils who have some knowledge of coal and where it comes from. It would be an excellent session for pupils who are about to visit, or who have visited, the Museum.

National Curriculum Links:

KS2 History: Knowledge, skills and understanding: 1a-b; 2a-d; 3; 4a-b, b; 7, 11b. Breadth of Study: 7 Local history study; 11 Britain since 1930.

Literacy: Strand 1 speaking; Strand 2 listening and responding.

QCA Links: History Unit 18: What was it like to live here in the past?

For more information see VC at the NCM