Colchester Castle brings history to virtual classrooms in response to pandemic
Colchester Castle is making sure pupils continue to learn about the town's history during lockdown
Colchester Castle has created a new distanced learning programme to bring the Norman keep into classrooms, both physical and virtual.
With schools remaining closed to most pupils until 8 March at the earliest, the castle is making sure children can still step back in time.
Thousands of students visit the landmark each year but, due to the pandemic, that's been brought to a hold or highly reduced when restrictions allow.
'Castle in the Classroom' has been developed in response to that and includes a 360-degree tour, access to real and replica artefacts, activity suggestions, teacher packs and goody bags.
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said:
"Children really benefit from hands-on learning and school trips to historic venues such as Colchester Castle really help history come to life in young minds.
"During these difficult times, the team at the Castle are determined for children to not miss out on this type of learning. Students are guided around the Castle by experts and a 360-degree video, enabling them to step back in time and learn about our ancestors from their homes or a classroom.
"We hope to see those smiling faces once more at the Castle, as soon as Government restrictions are lifted, but for now students can access the Castle through Castle in the Classroom."
Once normality returns, Colchester Castle is planning to continue taking advantage of digital rescources to reach even more people than before.
Curator for Colchester Museums, Ben Paites, said:
"We've been focusing a lot on our digital output, so alongside this session we've also created lots of other resources. Whether it's schools and teachers, or whether it's parents that want to use them at home with their kids.
"The fact that it's digital means you can use it anywhere in the world, and that's something we're definitely looking to continue. We've got a whole host of different things coming up in the coming year that are digital."