Trust Launches New Heritage Education Programme for Year One Students

The National Trust for Jersey is calling for Year One teachers to sign up to a new heritage education programme at 16 New Street that is linked to the literacy, science and history curriculum.

Led by two experienced costumed guides, the free initiative consists of a 75-minute immersive workshop based around the topic ‘Houses and Homes’. As the students participate in cookery and housework with the Housekeeper – and leisurely pastimes with the ‘lady of the house’ – it is hoped they will develop an understanding of how people used to live, including what they ate, how they dressed and how they entertained themselves in the 19th century. To boost critical thinking, students have the opportunity to examine a variety of different historical objects crafted from different materials:  a tiny bamboo chair with a very straight back, a strange pair of metal scissors, an ornate wooden box… and some peculiar looking underwear.

“Children are naturally inquisitive. Our aim through this new series of curriculum linked workshops is to get children excited about learning so that when they leave 16 New Street they are still thinking about the topics they were introduced to. By giving children an active role during their visit we hope to boost critical thinking and make learning understandable and fun.” Catherine Ward, Museums & Collections Manager

Nicola Carroll, Ogier’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the National Trust for Jersey to offer over 500 pupils from Jersey’s States primary schools free access to 16 New Street Georgian House. Historic buildings provide first-hand experiences that cannot be recreated in the classroom – a chance to engage with real objects, real stories, and real people. The interactive and inclusive workshops have been developed by the Trust to link to the curriculum and offer increased provision for children who receive special education support. We hope the pupils enjoy the fun and engaging activities, learning about what life was like before TVs, electronic devices, cars and telephones were invented.”

Ogier’s sponsorship also includes the provision of free tickets to 16 New Street for 150 families to be distributed via the Children and Families Hub in partnership with local charities such as Brighter Futures and the Jersey Child Care Trust. This initiative will run through the school holidays, providing families with plenty of opportunities to experience one of the Trust’s historic buildings.