By Ella Mann Shaw
Manchester Metropolitan University hosted two American History Days for West Hill School and Altrincham Grammar School for Girls.
Organised with the assistance of Claudia Conerney, Schools Liaison Coordinator, University staff and student ambassadors presented activities themed ‘Us and Them’, which followed in school visits exploring historical connections between the United States and the North West of England. The events were originally conceived by Dr Sam Edwards, Dr Marcus Morris, and Dr Marie Molloy, lecturers in History, and were made possible due to a grant from the British Association of American Studies and the US Embassy.
The events opened with a session led by Jane Williams and Lucy Caren from Touchstones Rochdale Museum. They presented a number of replica artefacts related to the Atlantic Slave trade. Pupils were given the opportunity to interact with a number of items including shackles and a baton and held a discussion of past uses to learn more about the links between the slave trade and North West.
Altrincham Grammar pupil Sophia said, “It was informative, hands on and educational, which made the experience more enjoyable.”
Fellow pupil Phoebe added: “It has helped us connect to the past; it was very emotive and has made us realise how far we have come and how far we have to go.”
Museum representatives Jane and Lucy said, “Students on both days were really engaged with all activities. The replica items really helped bring the topic alive and helped them visualise the lives of people affected by the slave trade.”
Pupils were then invited to take part in a ‘make and do’ design workshop. Pupils created monuments and memorials for the British-US relationship and slave trade. A range of arts and crafts materials allowed pupils full creativity and enjoyment during the session.
Pupils Pippa, Lydia and Ellie commented: “It’s fun and interesting; we love the university and we love being crafty.” Samyuktha and Malaika added: “It’s fun to do something different and interactive using history.”
Pupils then had a ‘show and tell’ session in which they shared the meanings and thoughts behind their pieces. Prizes were awarded to groups for well thought-out memorials. Both staff and student ambassadors praised the overall high quality of work.
Positive comments made by pupils at the end of the day, Ewan from West Hill School said, “One of the greatest experiences of my life. I really enjoyed myself and, if I had the opportunity, I would definitely go again. My favourite part was making the posters. It really brought out my creativity.”
Om added, “The trip was amazing. It gave us an overview of what university is like. The people who were teaching us were full of helpful facts. I would recommend this trip to anyone.”
Everyone involved felt both days were a huge success. Dr Marie Malloy, lecturer in the Manchester Met Department of History, Politics and Philosophy and organiser of the event concluded, “The day has gone incredibly and was a fantastic experience for both Year 9 students and student ambassadors. We are looking forward to hosting more events like these in the future.”
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