In 2023, as you see below, we offered a short course – ‘Exploring the STEM of local mines and quarries’. For Autumn Term, 2024, there is a plan in the making, working in partnership with the University of Exeter and other mine establishments across Cornwall, to create a slightly different option – From Forest to STEAM. As it sounds, this will support schools to develop mining activities as part of their outdoor provision, but also bringing in the creative aspects of writing, drawing and music. If interested please sign up to the blog, where updates will always be shared.
SCIENCE CURRICULUM
KS1 – Everyday materials, incl rocks
Year 3 – Rocks
Year 5 – Forces, levers, pulleys & gears
Also, reporting on findings from enquiries & using evidence to answer questions.
LITERACY
Develop an understanding of the craft of writing by engaging with a professional author and their processes.
This is a course, broken into 3 sessions, which allows teachers to grasp the mechanics of mines, quarries and other historic Cornish industries.
It is especially concerned with power from water – turning wheels or turbines and powering steam engines.
SESSION 1 – Week of April 24th, day tbc
Time 13.00 to 17.00 max
Visit to The Meadow Barns Centre, for a library session, followed by time around the Adventure Site and a medium length walk to the Mining World Heritage Site, with 10 stories on the way. This is a great introduction to the topics, but also explains how to make your own ‘Story Walk’ close by your school.
SESSION 2 – To be arranged online, in May. This will be a progress check and further support to plan your walk and stories.
SESSION 3 – A visit to 1 of the schools in the project, to join their Story Walk + support to enable publication of books by the end of term.
COSTS & other arrangements.
There is a limit of 8 vehicles on site, therefore we charge by the car, not per person. Please fill your car, possibly share with a neighbour school, and thus divide the cost, which is £300 for the whole course.
If you come by public transport or bike, it’s £175.
A medium level of mobility and fitness is needed for the walk.
Hot drinks and miner’s sweet ‘mossels’ are included in the price, along with at least 1.5 hours of email & technical support. There is also an option to publish your finished book through our webshop.
Please check the films on our Youtube channel, to see samples of Story Walks on different history topics.