Free learning resources are being made available to all primary schools across Denbighshire to bring the past alive for the children and show them that things weren’t always as they are now.
These educational boxes contain historical documents, photos, census returns, newspapers, historical artefacts and demonstration and play resources to be used in the classroom.
The first box to be issued which was released week beginning 19 September is based on the town of Ruthin and includes material on local shops c. 1860-1930 and The Gaol, including examples of the prisoners’ diet and recipes for gruel. Two more sets of boxes are due to be issued next year and will provide historical material on Rhyl and Llangollen.
The Foundation Phase, Archives and Heritage departments have been working together on this CyMAL (Welsh Government) funded project.
The target audience is predominately foundation phase pupils, however many of the resources will also be relevant for Key Stage 2 pupils.
The three boxes currently available with historical documents and artefacts from Ruthin are being used by children at Ysgol Rhewl, Ysgol Llanfair DC and Ysgol Hiraddug, Dyserth.
Tania Armstrong-Owen, Headteacher at Ysgol Rhewl said: “Local history is a vital part of a child’s education in learning about life and the culture of Ruthin/Wales in the past, comparing it to living now and imagining what life may hold for their future.
“We feel that these resources will enable our children to learn about the historical heritage of their local area and the use of actual artefacts of that era helps to bring it alive and into context.
“This will hopefully spark an enthusiasm in the children to find out more about Ruthin and indeed the local villages in which they live”
Teachers wishing to book a box for their school should contact the North East Wales Schools Library Service: 01352 704441 or email [email protected]
