Geography
Day Programme for Key Stage 2 - Year 5

NEW USES FOR OLD BUILDINGS

Unit 20 - QCA/DfEE - A scheme of work for Geography

This programme has been designed and adapted to Unit 20 QCA/DfEE from a scheme of work for geography to an issue local to New Mills, that of the possible conservation and preservation and re-use of Torr Vale Mill.

Torr Vale Mill is an important building for New Mills both historically and culturally. It was begun in the late 1700's to weave and then spin cotton using the water power from the river. Since then it has been continuously producing cotton goods and is one of the only mills in the country to have done so. It is interesting architecturally as a fine example of mill building and has recently been listed as a Grade II* building by English Heritage. Unfortunately the building is now in sad decay, open to vandalism and the weather.

A new use has to been found in order to save this building. At present a bid is being made to the Heritage Lottery Fund to help finance a development scheme.

The day programme will enable children to investigate the issue and to think about possible outcomes and to debate and present their ideas. It will, therefore, address conflict resolution and issues of citizenship.

PLEASE NOTE - This day programme includes fieldwork. We will carry out fieldwork activities, whatever the weather. Please ensure that adults and children are appropriately dressed.

What should happen to Torr Vale Mill?

PROGRAMME

9.30 Welcome and introduction
Key Questions
Where is Torr Vale Mill?
What does it look like?
Activities
Fieldwork in and around the mill complex to find out the location

10.30 Break - a drink and a biscuit will be provided

11.00 Key Questions
What was Torr Mills for?
When was it built?
Why was it built there?
Activities
Classroom activities to find out the background to the issue, the history of the building and why it was build in the Torrs

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

12.30 Key Questions
What is the building used for now?
Why is the building nearly empty?
What is the importance of the mill building historically/architecturally?
What should happen to the building?
Who is thinking about what should happen?
Activities
A range of classroom and fieldwork activities using maps, and proposals to discuss and debate what should happen to the mill and why?

2.30 Leave