Tour of the International Slavery Museum
Key stage 3 workshop
For more than 400 years the transatlantic slave trade was responsible for the forced migration of over 12 million children and adults from Africa to the Americas. Despite being forcibly removed from their homes and having their identities and culture ripped away, enslaved African people and their descendants have had the bravery and courage to resist and persist.
This guided tour introduces students to fundamental aspects of transatlantic slavery, Liverpool’s involvement in the trade, and its impact on the lives of those involved.
Workshop details
During this tour pupils will encounter incredible artefacts and artworks that will deepen their understanding of the local and global impact of transatlantic slavery.
Pupils will be provided with a brief induction, discussing terminology, misconceptions, and a code of conduct to help prepare them before encountering challenging exhibits within the museum.
The tour will explore significant themes such as: West African cultural history, forced migration, plantation life and abolition.
This unique learning experience illustrates the massive impact of transatlantic slavery on the world and the ways it continues to impact our lives today. P
upils will gain a better understanding of diversity and difference, the process and fight for change, difficulties faced by those experiencing racism, and relationships between different groups of people.
The tour also provides an opportunity for pupils to explore their own identities, and gain an understanding of the current social challenges like those highlighted by Black Lives Matter.
Practical information for your visit
Visiting the International Slavery Museum - information for groups (pdf)
Image © Pete Carr
Curriculum links
Key stage 3 History
- How people’s lives have been shaped by Britain and how this nation has influenced and been influenced by the wider world
- Britain’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, including its effects and its eventual abolition
Key stage 3 Citizenship
- The precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom
- The ways in which citizens can work together to improve their communities
Key Stage 4 History
OCR History A
Impact of Empire on Britain 1688-1730 Depth Study
- The involvement of the British population in the slave trade including: the development of ‘slave ports’ – Bristol, Liverpool, London – growth of ideas of a racial hierarchy and impact of these ideas on settled minority communities; opposition to slavery and the slave trade
AQA History
Paper 2: Shaping the Nation
Britain: Power and the people: 1170 to the present day
- Protest and change: campaigning groups and their methods and impact, including the Anti-Slavery movement
Britain: Migration, empires and the people: c790 to the present day
- Sugar and the Caribbean: piracy and plunder; the development of the slave trade, the economic and social impact of the slave trade on Britain
Fundamental British Values
- Build an understanding of respect, tolerance and freedom, as well as individual and collective responsibilities to protecting fundamental rights
- Enable students to contribute to a more welcoming, tolerant and inclusive environment
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Pupils will:
- Understand the significance of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its impact on today’s society.
- Recognise some of the key features of culture and life in West Africa prior to the arrival of Europeans to the continent and the start of transatlantic slavery
- Be introduced to Black role models and celebrate their achievements and excellence
Skills
Pupils will:
- Use historical terms and concepts in a sophisticated and empathetic way.
- Identify significant events, make connections and draw contrasts.
- Analyse primary sources, including reliability and bias.
Concepts
Pupils will:
- Be introduced to artefacts in a museum context and as primary sources of investigation.
- Recognise cause and consequence
Attitudes
Pupils will:
- Increase confidence in identifying and challenging racism.
- Have an increased understanding and respect for differences and diversity.