Minutes:
The Head of Learning gave a detailed presentation regarding the Development of Beamish’s Learning Programmes for Schools (for copy see file of Minutes).
The Head of Learning summarised the work carried out for Engagement and Learning Activities including projects for:-
Puffing Billy – community and school work carried out in Wylam to commemorate the introduction of steam;
Immersion work with evacuees programme of events;
WW1 – work with secondary schools about the motivation to ‘sign up’ using real stories.
Major Partner Museums – all partnership work was progressing well:-
DLI Museum – training elements offered and next steps explored;
Killhope Museum – developed ‘Boom or Bust’ project and next steps explored;
Bowes Museum – developed KS1 delivery – waiting for feedback & will roll out.
Members suggested that local history for Beamish is used for learning purposes when the timing was right. The Head of Learning agreed and said that all learning projects used real stories so that students could research and become immersed into the story telling.
In relation to a question about youth project work, the Head of Learning explained that the Museum do work closely with Youth Groups. He suggested that it might be advisable to invite youth group leaders to the Museum to show what they could offer as not all youth groups will be aware of the projects taking place.
Following a suggestion that the Museum may want to become involved in a project about the ‘First Lady Banner’, the Assistant Director advised that she would pass the information to the Head of Community Development.
The Head of Learning concluded that the Museum would continue to develop learning and community programmes through the development plan, bringing together the skills required and through working together.
The Committee thanked the Head of Learning for a very enthusiastic and detailed presentation.