Renfrewshire and the Slave Trade

How the project achieved the sections of the award

Plan 

The aims of the Heritage Hero project were highlighted to pupils who participated in a brainstorming exercise to come up with suitable topics. A class vote decided that pupils would focus on local links to slavery in line with what they had been learning in S3 History as part of their Atlantic Slave Trade topic.  Pupils also discussed how they would like to present their findings and chose to create A2 information boards to present their findings to peers and members of staff. 

Investigate 

Pupils participated in virtual tours and used the internet as well as maps and photos of Renfrewshire’s links to Slavery to enhance their background knowledge of the topic. All pupils chose an individual link to research over 4 periods, prompts were provided to guide their resarch. Some of the examples included:  

• James Milliken – links to Johnstone and Kilbarchan  
• The Cunningham Family – links to Johnstone, Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir  
• The McDowall’s and Harveys of Castle Semple – links to Lochwinnoch  
• The Maxwells of Pollok – Pollock House 

Pupils used available resources to decide which aspects of our slave trade course they would include in their final project. Pupils worked in small groups to discuss their initial findings and paired up with others in the class who were researching the same individual or building. 

Engage 

Virtual tours were useful in this project stage. Pupils also completed research at home and visited local sites linked to the slave trade, such as Kilbarchan parish, Lochwinnoch Church and Milliken Park train station.

Inspire 

Pupil’s projects were put on display for pupils across all year groups to learn about Renfrewshire’s links to the slave trade. Pupils spoke to their peers and staff about what they had found out about their chosen link to the slave trade ie. some pupils chose a street name or a significant individual for example James Milliken. They also shared information on the impact of the slave trade on Scotland.  

Reflect 

Pupils completed an evaluation form at the end of the project and indicated areas that they enjoyed or would like to develop if they were to carry out the project again.  This will be used to inform actions taken in the next session. Pupils also carried out a reflection on what they believe should happen to Scotland’s Slave Trade legacy. This was included on their final project as a discussion point during their presentation.  

Highlight(s) 

The highlight of the Heritage Heroes Project was seeing pupils come to life when presenting their own projects. For many pupils, this was their favourite piece of work in S3 History as it allowed for independence, personalisation, and choice. Pupils were also motivated by the opportunity to receive an additional certificate alongside their studies in S3 History.  

The benefit of using the Heritage Hero Awards 

The Heritage Hero Awards provided many benefits for our young people including skills development and improved self-confidence. For many of our pupils, this was the first time they had presented to an audience of peers and staff, which was a huge achievement. Pupils also developed independent research skills and took great self-pride in sharing what they had learned with other members of the class and with their teachers.  

Other benefits included the support provided by Archaeology Scotland. During our initial planning stages, we were offered lots of fantastic resources and ideas by the Archaeology Scotland Team. Our ongoing partnership with Archaeology Scotland has enhanced our BGE curriculum and the experiences that we offer our young people. I would recommend the Heritage Hero Awards to any school interested in increasing opportunities for Wider Achievement within their school community.  

Quotes

“I loved the Heritage Heroes Project because you got to research something you were interested in on your own and everyone was doing something different that you could learn about.”

“It was interesting to research something so close to where I live. I had no idea that there were so many buildings and streets that had links to slave traders in Renfrewshire.”

With special thanks to:

It Wisnae Us – The Truth About Glasgow and Slavery

Case study compiled by 

Lauren McGinley – History Teacher (Johnstone High School)