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16 November 2018

Schoolchildren take over the Museum

By Julie Williams

Children from a Wisbech primary school will greet visitors, show them round and generally run things (with a little help from museum staff) at the town's museum next Friday morning.

The six to eight-year-olds are taking part in Takeover Day, an annual event held this year on November 23 when museums and galleries nationwide invite schools in and give youngsters a meaningful role.

Sarah Coleman of Wisbech and Fenland Museum said: “We are delighted to be welcoming 58 children in two year groups from Nene and Ramnoth School on Friday. It is a great opportunity for children and teenagers to learn, develop new skills and be creative. We can't wait for them to take over and help us welcome visitors!”

Both the museum and their teachers are hoping the children's new role will attract people who haven't been in before and offer a fresh approach to anyone already familiar with the museum. The young curators will be 'in charge' from 9.30 to 11.30am.

School vice principal Sally Kirby said: “The Museum Takeover Day is a wonderful opportunity for our Year Threes. They'll be creating a trail of clues to follow around the Museum to add to its appeal to younger children.

“They'll also set up a display table of Vikings artefacts which they have made in school. During the morning visitors to the Museum can look at their wonderful creations. Being a young curator will enable the children to develop their oracy skills through discussion and questioning.”

Arts Council England and the Kids in Museums charity have teamed up for Takeover Day so children and teenagers from schools can take an active part in organisations and feel they have a stake in keeping them going for the future.

Wisbech Reads is also supporting Friday's local event.