Does Cultural Education Matter? Digability: The impact on individuals, groups

and communities.

Nicola Thorpe & Victoria Beauchamp Project Workers for the WEA Inclusive

Archaeology Education project

http://digability.wordpress.com

Aims of Session• Presentation: What is the Project and the

Impacts we have seen

• Activity : Have a go – what impact does it have on you?

• Discussion: Does Cultural Education Matter? Could you see similar projects in your area?Q&A

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Digability Project: AimsTo demonstrate to the wider community that heritage is a collective historical legacy. To provide opportunities for people not normally engaged in archaeology .

To demonstrate how archaeology can develop a wide range of skills, both specific and transferable.To develop a strategic regional network of local partnerships .Text Wall: #

Opportunities180 students enrolled

LD groupsPhysical DifficultiesMental health groupsLow levels of literacy

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Interpreting own communities Students explored their local historic

environments. They compared old and new photos

and maps They used their own experience to

interpret artefacts. Learners interpreted their findings and

presented them at celebration events.

Cultural Studies ThemeText Wall: #

Self and Skill Development

LiteracyNumeracyConfidenceCommunicationTeam WorkHealth & Wellbeing

Employability ThemeText Wall: #

Impact: Health and Wellbeing“It makes me feel good. It makes me more cheerful.”

Health and Wellbeing Theme

“It was good to meet new people and visit new places.”

“It’s good to get out”

“Its good to get my hands dirty”

“It has been a delight to see the Service Users so enthusiastic and eager for more. “

“I chose to join the course because I like looking at the past.”

“My health and wellbeing improved whilst on the course, I began to feel a lot better, and I benefited from getting out and doing things.”

“I liked the support in the classroom.”

“I feel more confident”

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Impact: Employability

Employability Theme

• Graduate Volunteers gain experience working with a variety of people

• Volunteer students go on to become WEA tutors

• Digability Students go onto further study and volunteer with new cohorts

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The Importance of Partnerships

• Provision of Practical Learning Experiences• Volunteer support• Early Career Tutors• Progression Routes for Learners

Community Engagement ThemeText Wall: #

Impact on Communities

Community Engagement Theme

• Links made with local Societies• Sustainable Projects beginning to

develop• Links made with other archaeological

projects • Discussion on our forum about

widening participation

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Does Cultural Education Matter? From our experience:• Service providers valuing archaeological education and activity.• Raising awareness amongst archaeological community.• Lasting partnerships between service providers and heritage sector.• Heritage sector capacity building and up-skilling.• Providing appropriate training teaching & support staff.• Supporting volunteers in developing skills and making contacts• Employment.

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Now it is your go……

Cambridge Corn ExchangeWhere does the building fit into the history of Cambridge?

Look at the building what features can you see?

Can you guess at some of the interesting history of this building?

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Cambridge Corn Exchange: True or False

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This was Cambridge’s only corn exchange.The architect of the corn exchange was chosen by means of a competition.

The formal opening of the corn exchange in 1875 sparked riots.

When building the corn exchange the remains of a Medieval priory were discovered?

False. This was the 2nd of 3 built.

True. The competition was won by local architect Richard Reynolds Rowe

True. Triggered by a mistake made whilst playing the National Anthem. An angry mob stormed the Major’s house!True. The remains of a Priory of Friars Hermits were uncovered and were gifted to a museum in New Zealand.