NCCL has successfully delivered the 'Learn from the Past' project, a programme of citizenship and history activities for Year 5 and 6 pupils from Nottinghamshire. Created in partnership with local teachers, the project focused on engaging pupils in local history, improving their understanding of crime and punishment through time, and providing them with an awareness of the consequences of their actions .

Between April and July, 2009, over 1000 Year 5 pupils visited the Galleries of Justice Museum for their first day of project activities. Pupils took part in a Victorian crime role play in our mock slum 'Narrow Marsh' an investigation of crime and punishment through time in our gaols; a visit to our real 20th century police station; and a contemporary mock Youth trial!

Pupils returned in Autumn as Year 6s to participate in a second visit to follow up and enhance their learning. Through object handling, a guided tour of the gaols, and a 19th century mock trial, pupils had a chance to focus their learning specifically on crime and punishment during the Victorian period.

The project offered a chance to extend learning beyond the walls of the classroom and to explore local history through a more hands-on approach. Pupil, teacher, and parent feedback was extremely positive, with one teacher commenting: "The children very much enjoyed the in-school activities that you provided us and especially enjoyed the day spent at the Galleries. There has been a 'buzz' in the class since coming back and the feedback from parents has been very positive."

If you want to learn more, please contact Kelsey Smulders