Discovery boxes at Millgate Museum

What did we do?

Millgate Museum's objective for the project was to increase links with current non-user secondary schools, particularly at Key Stage 3. To do this, they used the expertise of a regular museum user, Clare Watson from Magnus C of E School, to work with museum education officer, Ruth Petersen, in advising and supporting work with Kate McClay from Sir William Robertson High School.

There were two distinct elements to the project:

• The development of the discovery box, involving location of materials, creation of support materials and linking the work to the National Curriculum.
• Building the confidence of staff at Millgate Museum to work with a non-user secondary school at Key Stages 3 and 4.

Development of the Discovery Box
Due to timetabling and funding constraints, few secondary schools had visited the museum, so it was important that the discovery box appealed as an outreach resource that could be used in school to support teaching.

Clare was involved in the role of mentor to Kate, who spent time familiarising herself with the museum, researching collections and identifying possible artefacts and documents for use in the box.

Kate and Ruth then spent time with the museum collections officer deciding on which objects to include and Kate developed ideas for teacher-led activities in the classroom. The final element of the project involved teachers auditing the museum and its collections to identify ideas for future loan boxes.

The discovery box has been promoted through the museum's website, its teachers' forum and through an education outreach leaflet. It is also anticipated that the will be supplementary use for the box with community audiences.

Building the confidence of staff
Using the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council’s Common Core Framework, Ruth Petersen identified a need to develop her skills in ICT and her knowledge of different ability groups.

A two day placement in school proved ideal to increase her skills and knowledge of ICT and how it is used in a classroom situation.  Ruth was able to witness first hand how the school operated and the structure of the day.  She also gained experience in working with teachers in delivering history to different ability groups.

What were the outcomes

• Production of a discovery box with specific relevance to Key Stages 3 and 4,
• An understanding of the need for museum resources and activities to be formally curriculum focused if they are to appeal to a secondary school audience and work for teachers,
• The involvement of Millgate Museum’s collections officer in an education related project,
• Understanding the importance of including items that a school would not normally use. For example historical artefacts which could support drama or role play,
• Increased skills in ICT and knowledge of its use in the classroom,
• Increased knowledge of delivering history to different ability groups.