Experiential Learning
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them”
Over time, The History Troupe has engaged with a number of Schools and Colleges on their specific needs. Enrichment programmes complimentary to the core curriculum have been devised and delivered with particular emphasis on experiential learning - learning through reflection on doing. For example, The Vote, a play about dementia is featured in a workshop for Health and Social Care studies and a full-scale Trench & Triage model has been built to take the Western Front to schools. These modules are complimentary to the core curriculum and contribute to the building of self-confidence, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and resilience.
Trench & Triage; Bringing WW1’s Western Front to your school
Bringing the Western Front and the story of medicine to schools supports the AQA Course, Health and the People and other Health & Social Care requirements. The model itself is an immersive experience and meets a number of Assessment Objectives helping students to build facts, versions of history and the capacity to evaluate evidence. The workshop is led by a Historian; a soldier, nurse, coordinator with technical support as needed – all from The History Troupe.
The Trench and Triage working model on a footprint of 7 x 5 metres. Ideally schools locate this in an assembly area to maximise impact across the school. The model comprises:
Trench. Based on authentic photographs and including a sound recording of the battlefield to enhance the experience for students. Featuring a whistle and over the top charge, students leave the trench for the Dice of Fate.
Dice of Fate. Students throw dice to determine whether they have survived; have trench rot; been gassed; wounded with shrapnel; blighted by shell shock; or are one of the fallen. Students record casualties and analyse the battle. This simulation of outcomes on the battlefield has proven highly effective.
Triage Station. Every student leaves the battle to fight again or their condition to be dealt with using triage techniques and a range of innovative medical procedures. This is where assessment objectives link directly to the AQA GCSE History Syllabus.
Trench Artifacts. The History Troupe has an extensive collection of WW1 memorabilia. Shell cases and trench art challenge students to explain provenance as weapons of war and artistic outcomes.
Supporting:
History - World War 1.
English – Poetry, Literature and Language.
Science - Medical Advances & Health and Social Care.
Maths – Statistics.
Curriculum links to AQA & other examination boards.