Geography
Day Programme for Key Stage 2 - Year 5

A CONTRASTING UK LOCALITY - NEW MILLS

This one day programme has been designed to meet the needs of the National Curriculum 2000 to study a locality in the United Kingdom.

New Mills has its origins in the Industrial Revolution. In the late 1700's entrepreneurs built water powered cotton mills on terraces above the fast flowing waters of the Goyt and Sett and a town grew up around them.

New Mills is set in dramatic riverside scenery above a steep sided gorge. The cotton industry is no longer important in New Mills with Torr Vale Mill closing after more than 200 years in production.
The remains of mills and weirs are there to tell the story of the town's past.

New Mills is an excellent example of how the choice of site and function are interdependent when looking at the origins of settlements.

PLEASE NOTE - this day will include fieldwork activities. We will carry out fieldwork whatever the weather! Please make sure everyone is wearing suitable clothing.

9.30 Welcome and introduction
Key Question
Why is New Mills like this?
Activities
A range of classroom activities using maps and a slide show to trace the origins of New Mills as a settlement

10.30 Break - a snack and drink will be provided

11.00 Key Questions
What is New Mills like?
What does it feel like to be here?
Activities
A range of fieldwork activities in the Torrs including a sensory walk to experience the sights and sounds of the river gorge with its industrial ruins of weirs and mills

12.00 Lunch - please bring your own packed lunch to eat in the centre

12.30 Key Questions
What shops and services are there in New Mills?
Activities
A range of fieldwork activities to map land use in the town centre using colour coded keys

1.30 Key Question
What do other key features of the town look like?
Activities
A guided walk to look at the Town Hall, library, High Lee Hall Park and gardens, Church, station and other places, as time permits

2.30 Leave