Key Stage: KS1 & 2

Learning Objectives: Understand the role that coal mining has played in the Forest of Dean.

What is a Free miner?

What was it like to be a child working in a mine?

Curriculum Links: KS1 Historical Enquiry - 4a

breadth of Study – 6b

KS2 Chronological understanding - 1a

Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes - 4a & b

Local history study - 7.

British history - 8a

Victorian Britain - 11a

QCA Unit 13 – changes from 1948

QCA Unit 18 – What it was like to live in the past

Workshop 1: Mining Workshop Description: Explore the main industries of the Forest of Dean – iron production and coal mining. Outside in our woodland a Free Miner’s mine gale is concealed, students can see how it was constructed and find out how a Free Miner lived. In the Galleries they will discover the history of mining in the Forest and experience ‘pulling the hod’.

Workshop 2: Mining Walk: Discover the past as you explore Soudley to look for evidence of it’s mining heritage. You will be guided around a short circular walk to look for evidence of the ancient tram ways and mining. (Approx 45 minutes)

Two Location Mining Experience for KS2: For this experience we team up with Hopewell Colliery to offer students the experience of going underground as well as exploring mining in the Forest of Dean at the Heritage Centre. Contact Engagement Manager for cost.