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

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 Text Wall: #

Digability Project: Aims • To 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: #

Opportunities 180 students enrolled LD groups Physical Difficulties Mental health groups Low levels of literacy Text Wall: #

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. Text Wall: # Cultural Studies Theme

Self and Skill Development • Literacy • Numeracy • Confidence • Communication • Team Work • Health & Wellbeing Text Wall: # Employability Theme

Impact: Health and Wellbeing “It makes me feel good. It makes me more cheerful.” “It has been a delight to see the Service Users so enthusiastic and eager for more. “ “It’s good to get out” “It was good to meet new people and visit new places.” “Its good to get my hands dirty” “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 alot better, and I benefited from getting out and doing things.” “I liked the support in the classroom.” “I feel more confident” Text Wall: # Health and Wellbeing Theme

Impact: Employability • 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 Text Wall: # Employability Theme

The Importance of Partnerships • Provision of Practical Learning Experiences • Volunteer support • Early Career Tutors • Progression Routes for Learners Text Wall: # Community Engagement Theme

Impact on Communities • Links made with local Societies • Sustainable Projects beginning to develop • Links made with other archaeological projects • Discussion on our forum about widening participation Text Wall: # Community Engagement Theme

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. Text Wall: #

Now it is your go…… Where 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? Cambridge Corn Exchange Text Wall: #

Cambridge Corn Exchange: True or False This was Cambridge’s only corn exchange. False. This was the 2nd of 3 built. The architect of the corn exchange was chosen by means of a competition. 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! The formal opening of the corn exchange in 1875 sparked riots. True. The remains of a Priory of Friars Hermits were uncovered and were gifted to a museum in New Zealand. When building the corn exchange the remains of a Medieval priory were discovered? Text Wall: #

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