All Ireland Society for Higher Education
| Name: | Bryan John Sitch |
|---|---|
| Email: | bryan.sitch@manchester.ac.uk |
| Institution: | The University of Manchester |
Sutherland, Louise, ella.sutherland@manchester.ac.uk
This CEEBL project inspires Manchester school pupils to take an interest in archaeology and the Classics. By encouraging them to direct their own enquiries, with postgraduate student support, and to visit a number of museums displaying archaeological and Classical material the project stimulates students to learn about the ancient world. Students gather their responses to the displays, along with those of the public, and report back in order to inform new archaeological displays at The Manchester Museum.
The University of Manchester is a nationally recognized centre for archaeology. The Museum's collections of Greek and Roman antiquities are designated and include items of national and international importance. The Museum's Mediterranean Gallery presents the various cultures and civilizations around the Mediterranean.
However, the displays are now some 15 years old and the changing social context of Britain in the 21st century prompts a reappraisal with a view to refurbishing the displays. This is being done in an inclusive way that involves and responds to the ideas and needs of local people, schools and educational institutions. A number of Manchester institutions have an interest in the teaching and promotion of Classical archaeology such as University of Manchester Department of Classics.
This innovative project involves students from the city's schools and university to gather visitor survey data and report on visits to institutions in this country that will inform new Classical displays at the Manchester Museum. Students benefit by developing transferable skills such as independent thought, evaluation and assessment as well as building self-confidence. Students plan the project in their groups, with support from staff, allowing them to direct the course of their own investigation and its dissemination. The project also helps to break down barriers between secondary schools and the university amongst young people in deprived parts of the city. It also has potential as a model for enquiry based learning in other disciplines.