“So dire a misfortune attended by such horror or circumstance is not recorded in the history of mining.” Illustrated London News, 25th January, 1862

The National Coal Mining Museum for England is launching a new videoconference session, No Escape! The session, running on Mondays and Tuesdays, is currently free of change and is available to book from September 2008.

Based on a mining disaster at Hartley Colliery in 1862, the session has been devised to support reading and speaking and listening skills in English and has good cross-curricular links with History and Citizenship. This activity takes the form of an Inquest into the Hartley Colliery disaster in which the teacher is the Coroner and the class take on the role of the Jury.

Prior to the videoconference, students are given a range of evidence to examine in class, including witness statements and diagrams. After studying this information, students interrogate Lord Hastings, the Mine Owner, via a videoconference with the Museum. Based on the evidence they have read and heard, students then decide who, if anyone, is to blame for the disaster.

This activity provides the opportunity for informal group discussion and for a prepared debate. By the end of the activity the students will have:

•  - A clear understanding of the facts of the Hartley Colliery disaster.
•  - Worked co-operatively to evaluate facts; explain and justify a point of view; make hypotheses; and explore, shape and express their ideas, feelings and opinions.
•  - Presented information and points of view clearly and appropriately.
•  - Listened and responded constructively to others, taking different views into account.
•  - Extracted and interpreted information and ideas; sifting the relevant from the irrelevant and distinguishing between facts and opinion.

The session was successfully piloted with a Year 9 group from Ossett High School, Wakefield. Cate Gleeson, Head of English commented, “This activity was an excellent opportunity for students to develop their Speaking & Listening skills. The students responded with great enthusiasm and some of them seemed to be preparing for a future in law as they mercilessly cross-examined their key witness!”

A comprehensive pack of resources and teacher’s notes accompanies the session, plus ideas for pre and post videoconference activities. If you want to find out more about the session or wish to make a booking contact Jayne Ambrose on 01924 848806.