|
 |
The Education Department has won two nationally recognised awards, one for work with children and road safety issues and the second for the Time Road programme for five to seven-year-olds.
Although the Centre's education services cater for all ages, the majority of all pupils are KS1 (5-7) and KS2 (8-11) children. History of Transport, Road Safety and Time Road are the most popular programmes.
Many of the programmes begin with illustrated talks, followed by guided tours of the museum to reinforce issues raised in the talks. The tours involve the youngsters in role-play and dressing in period costume which helps them achieve the house rule of "You will enjoy yourself - or else!"
The Road Safety programme includes an illustrated talk on the development of safety features in cars related to bicycle safety. Outside, the group looks at vehicle stopping distances with a real-life demonstration. Half the group tour the Centre to look at road safety through history, while the remainder ride in a 1949 car, comparing its safety features with those of a modern model.
After they've swapped places, there's a seat belt sled demonstration designed especially to encourage children to use rear seat belts. A "volunteer" teacher demonstrates the dramatic effect of just a 4 mph frontal impact on a belted-in car passenger.
Although the subject of safety is serious, children have plenty of fun throughout the day and most groups opt to take a "driving test" on the children's roadway to round off their day.
Several other programmes are available. Time Road for KS1 children takes the groups on a journey through 100 years of motoring to give them the opportunity to look into the changes that have occurred over that time. Lead by the Department's staff, the children are shown the Time Road exhibit in the museum, where the cars are displayed on road surfaces of their period, along with photographs, costumes and other artefacts. The wealth of experiences that are offered are rounded off by a ride in a car from the collection.
To supplement the KS2 core study unit Britain since 1930 a full-day programme is offered, beginning with a slide presentation which considers such issues as the number of vehicles, people and accidents in the UK. The talk is followed by a guided tour of the car collection and rides in models from the 1940s, 1960s and 1980s.
A Design and Technology programme raises a number of design issues, which are illustrated using vehicles. These issues include the transfer of technology and design from one industry to another and design parameters imposed by marketing. The programme includes a talk and a vehicle collection tour.
English for Overseas Students is a very popular programme. This is intended to increase overseas students' enjoyment of the Centre and improve both written and spoken English. The study begins with an introductory talk and slide presentation looking at the development of the car, followed by a tour of the collection and a ride in one of the vehicles. Graded worksheets to aid English study are available and certificates are awarded to those reaching the required standard.
Check availability, make a booking enquiry or request further information. |