Lindisfarne Gospels: Student-led assemblies

Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums (TWAM) brought the Lindisfarne Gospels back to the North East in the autumn of 2022.

We were delighted to partner with TWAM to take the story of the Gospels out to partner primary schools. We did this through student-led assemblies, followed by Q and A sessions around 'why study history'.

Three of our Upper Sixth historians delivered the sessions, which were well-received by local schools.

Aims

The over-arching aim of the Museum's learning team was to reach as many students as possible: some through in-person visits, others through workshops, assemblies and outreach activities.

We aimed to reach over 300 children through this scheme, while also providing our Sixth Form historians with an opportunity to design and lead a project.

Background

The partnership originated through discussions between TWAM and RGS in the summer of 2022, before the Gospels arrived. We were delighted to identify the Assemblies as a mutually beneficial project.

Resources

There was minimal need in terms of resource. We provided travel for the students and a member of staff co-ordinated the visits, travelling with the Sixth Formers.

Impact

We received some hugely positive feedback from the schools, this took the form of written testimonials.

"Your assembly about the Gospels was interesting and engaging and the children were clearly fascinated...Thank you for being role models for our children and good luck with your future careers, I am sure you will go far. You are always welcome back at Westerhope." Headteacher, Westerhope Primary

Pupil Involvement

The Assembly reached 364 students from years 5 and 6 across 4 schools.

Frequency

This is a one-off partnership event, a spontaneous opportunity to inspire young children about history and our cultural heritage in the North East.