Priory brings History from the past into the future

History came to life for Year 8 Priory pupils as they got the chance to hold a real 17th Century cannonball and don clothes from the English Civil War.

Steve Irwin (pictured far left) is the Education Officer at Blackburn Museum and was invited into the school by the Humanities Department to talk to the students about life during the English Civil War.  We were also fortunate that he was able to bring in artefacts from that time.

“It’s about making history come to life,” said Steve. “It’s nice to see the faces of the students as they hold real items from all that time ago.

“It’s also great to see the students work it out for themselves. Rather than just talking to them, they get to sample what life was like then.”

Lead Teacher of History, Mr Eccles, joined Priory in September and he has known Steve for 15 years.

Mr Eccles commented, “Steve really brings the feel of what it was like during the English Civil War into the classroom. He provides insights into what life was like during that time and has brought in costumes and some artefacts, including a cannonball. I think the students were surprised how heavy it was!

“It’s great for the students to have hands-on experience like this. I want to raise the profile of History at Priory and introduce more workshops into school so students have a greater experience of the subject.”

Head of Humanities, Mr Metcalfe, highlighted that, “Our lessons aim to engage and provoke inquisition so that learning is fun and exciting.  The English Civil War Exhibition run by Blackburn Museum has been a great example of this, and the two day visit was an integral cog in showing students first-hand what they have been learning in the classroom.  Mr Eccles is truly bringing History from the past into the future here at Priory.”