A Lake District adventure and heritage attraction is taking the mountain to the classroom in series of aspiration and enterprise sessions aimed at inspiring local primary school age children in Cumbria.
In recognition of the need to equip young people with knowledge, skills and aspirations that are relevant to the modern world, Honister Slate Mine is working with the Primary Business Partnership to deliver sessions in primary schools in the boroughs of Allerdale and Copeland. As England’s oldest working slate mine and an award-winning tourist attraction Honister is ideally placed to demonstrate the wide range of skills and interests that can lead to future careers.
Taking the mountain to the classroom is Tori Jones, one of the Tour Guides at Honister. As a trained Archaeologist and former teacher, Tori will be sharing her passion for history, geology and meeting new people through her job, with pupils and answering any questions they might have about her career.
Tori Jones says, ‘Everyone learns in a different way and is inspired by different things. It is really important to nurture a sense of curiosity and possibility in children from an early age to help them develop the skills and resilience they need to fulfil their potential.’
Jan Wilkinson, Co-Owner Honister Slate Mine says, ‘We are in a position to inspire the next generation of young people and help promote a love of the outdoors, because we know this has huge benefits to wellbeing and health. Honister is a fantastic environment which offers huge scope for using different skills, from mining and shaping the stone in the workshop, to leading adventure activities, working in retail or the café. I’d encourage teachers who are thinking about planning their next educational trip to get in touch to find out what packages we can offer. Not only can we help deliver learning outcomes and personal social development, it will be a fun experience that makes a lasting memory.’
For school groups that are visiting the mine on a trip there is free educational resource for teachers that is linked to Keystage 2 curriculum areas to support further learning. To find out more or how your school can get involved go to Primary Business Partnership www.primarybusinesspartnership.org.uk
