The project was based around the creation of the Forth and Clyde Canal. We looked at the history, heyday and demise of the canal in relation to the original purpose for which it was built and how that history is both evident and preserved today.
The group used an ‘Outdoor Journey’ approach to learning (Simon Beames, University of Edinburgh). This involved them exploring their local area, asking questions about what they discovered, researching the answers and sharing their learning. Primary 3 / 4 also created an exhibition within the school Gym Hall for the parents and carers as well as inviting members of the community.
Bronze
76 children in total
age 7-9
Aug 2019-Oct 2019
How the project achieved the sections of the award
Plan
Working alongside the classes we planned and walked a route around the canal. During the journey the students wrote down all the questions they had about the area and took photos to record findings – this ranged from plant ID, place names, purposes of old buildings, litter and graffiti and public art.
Investigate
Students used these questions as a basis for investigation. We looked at the cutting of the canal, people who would have worked on there, events during the cutting such as a mammoths tusk being found, John Smeaton the engineer and the building of the Aqueducts. We investigated how the canal was built to improve industry including the rubber and glass works. This linked into Children’s Rights and the employees in these places. How the canal was used in its Heyday and about the Gypsy queen.
Engage
We linked with Scottish Canals for numerous walks along the canal, supported by parents. This also gave us an insight into how the canal was used by German bombers, the secret about the oil pipes and how support structures were place in case it was bombed. We also worked with Civil Engineers to look at old and new bridges and located old wooden ones.
Inspire
We used the information we had gained to create an interactive parents workshop. All the children had to choose where they would like to talk and form a presentation. We sang ‘I Am the Earth’ as a motivational and emotional starter. All parents were invited, we also had local councillors and Keep Scotland Beautiful there to see our workshops.
Reflect
Throughout the sessions there was a strong emphasis on reflecting on the skills they used throughout the process. They identified these as team working, identifying their and others’ strengths, researching, creativity, patience, negotiation, practical skills such as drawing, painting and using clay.
At the end of the sessions, they discussed what they had learnt and identified ways in which they can use what the learnt about the canals and themselves in the future.
Lessons Learned
I think for us, we would have completed this a little later in the year. This would be just to allow call lists and info to settle.
Highlight(s)
I loved the entire project. The children and family members who supported us loved it and we learned so many interesting things. The adults who supported this all said that they have gotten a great deal from this and enjoyed being interviewed for our memory books.
The benefit of using the Heritage Hero Awards
This is a good way to keep the planning forced and on track. The idea of sharing learning is also a good way to allow a different way of sharing info than an assembly.
Case study compiled by
Claire McEachran, Dunard Primary school and Nursery
With thanks to
Scottish Canals and Keep Scotland Beautiful