Titanic: voyage of discovery
An interactive learning session for key stage 2 school groups about the Titanic and its local history connections to Liverpool.
This workshop is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10.15am and 11.30am.
Workshop details
Voyage of Discovery is an exploration of the Titanic, its local history connections to Liverpool and the causes of the famous disaster. Presenting a unique learning opportunity and led by an experienced member of the education team, it begins with a welcome and introduction to the Maritime Museum.
Utilising our range of replica handling objects, the children take part in discussions and dramatisations about the ship, exploring the places associated with it and the experiences of the different classes of passengers and crew on board.
The workshop is highly interactive and takes as its starting point what the children may already know. Topics covered include local Liverpool connections, the different jobs on board the ship and the key figures involved in the disaster.
Children are invited to think about the multiple perspectives historical events present to us. Was anyone to blame for what happened or was it a series of unforeseen events? They are challenged about perpetuated myths and misconceptions surrounding the ship, exploring through practical activities the wider context of Edwardian society - including class, age and gender and how this affected individuals' chances of survival in the early hours of 15 April 1912.
Voyage of Discovery also taps into key aspects of teaching Fundamental British Values as part of SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural development), broaching such things as rule of law and custom in tandem with the rights of the individual.
This session can be booked in conjunction with a self led visit to the Titanic and Liverpool: the untold story exhibition. An activity pack of worksheets and other resources for classroom activities to accompany your visit can be downloaded from the Maritime Museum schools and groups page.
Practical information for your visit
Curriculum links
Key Stage 2 – History
- Statutory: Local history study.
- Non Statutory: A study of an aspect of history or a site dating from a period beyond 1066 that is significant in the locality.
SMSC and Fundamental British Values
- The rule of law - pupils have the opportunity to explore and discuss the actions of key figures on the night of the sinking in light of differences in rule of law in 1912 as compared to today - for example, lifeboat provision.
- Democracy: Understand the value of working together. Discover the benefit of discussing opinions before and after a choice is made, to understand how decisions are made and justified.
- Mutual respect and tolerance: Develop understanding and empathy through immersive role play experiences, based on real events. The groups are invited to think more closely about real life characters on board the ship, they are encouraged to identify with their hopes, beliefs, fears and motivations in a bid to better understand those actions, in context of the received wisdoms and cultural conventions surrounding gender, and class of the time. Time is allotted to respectfully reflect on the feelings and opinions of others.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Pupils will:
- Know the key dates and places in the story of the Titanic.
- Understand that crew and passengers had different experiences on board the ship and during the disaster.
- Gain knowledge and understanding that historical events have multiple perspectives
- Gain knowledge and understanding of the characteristic features of periods and societies of the past.
- Understand how the Titanic disaster affected changes in safety rules and Maritime law.
Skills
Pupils will:
- Develop observation skills by handling replica objects representative of different classes.
- Improve their speaking and listening skills in a group discussion context.
- Learn to give reasoned answers backed up by evidence.
- Improve their confidence by individual participation in dramatic sections of the presentation.
Concepts
Pupils will be introduced to:
- The concept of changing attitudes towards class and gender and age at different time periods.
- The role of a national museum like the Maritime Museum.
- Emigration in the early part of the 20th century.
Attitudes
Pupils will:
- Enjoy a focused visit to the museum.
- Be confident in interpreting information from different sources.
- See the Maritime Museum as an enjoyable and stimulating place to visit.