KS2 & KS3 Teachers' Packs for Vindolanda
This short example shows how the project developed, from the initial site visit (to review how the site could be used), to the final handover of the completed worksheets.
But, next time I do a site-visit I'll choose a warm, dry day!
Site Visit: How does the site support teaching aims?
This project began with 2 intensive days on site at the Vindolanda Fort & Museum and at the Roman Army Museum (even though I know the sites well from family visits).
This time was spent:
- Planning how the sites and displays can best support the aims of history teaching in the National Curriculum
- Creating over-arching enquiry questions which are both historically valid and engaging for pupils e.g. at KS3, 'Why was the Roman Army so successful?' and at KS2 'Would you swap places with Julia and Gaius?'
- Planning preparatory and follow-up work on the enquiry questions (for the pupils to undertake in school)
- Drafting ideas for worksheets and teachers' notes that focus on developing pupils' understanding of how we study the past as well as on their understanding of Roman Britain
Back in the Office: Notes into Worksheets
The outline notes and worksheets were planned in detail and written up. Then the layout of the worksheets was checked to ensure that:
- The design was appealing
- There was enough space for completion
- There was a clear 'brief' (with no ambiguities) when the sheets were handed over to the museum's designers
This preliminary design was undertaken in a DTP package so that the material could easily be shared with the museum staff (electronically), at draft-stage.
[ Download worksheet example ]
Last but not Least! Onto Production
Finally, there's the 'dummy-run' stage, walking through the worksheets on site followed by a trial-run by a nearby school, if this can be arranged. Then it's hand-over to the museum for final-design (e.g. the covers for the packs) and production.
All round, an enjoyable and satisfying project!!
