By Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)

On Friday 3rd March, Year 7 stepped back in time to experience what life was like during the Industrial Revolution.

The year group enjoyed a visit to the Black Country Living Museum where they experienced a canal boat trip through the Dudley Tunnel to see where limestone was mined. The students also visited an underground music hall; built during the Victoria era, the hall was used for live orchestras.

During the journey back, the engine was turned off on the canal boat and some students had to lie on their backs and use their legs to move the canal boat through the tunnel. The year group experienced going down a Victorian coal mine; here they got a sense of the conditions the men worked in as they had to adjust their eyes to the very dark in the heart of the mine.

Everyone enjoyed exploring the houses and shops from the Victorian era, where they could ask questions about what life was like. Some also saw the process of chain links being made and just how dangerous a job that was.

The museum brings to life everything Year 7 have been learning about in the History classroom as they explored the museum. Many students took the opportunity to ask questions to their guide to enhance their understanding even further. 

Tamara Senouni (Year 7) reflected: “I thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Black Country Living Museum because I feel as if it really put our learning into action. It was amazing entering the mines and imagining what it would be like to be working down there for 12 hours. The members of staff were so kind and open to any questions we had, it made us feel more welcome at the museum and it gave us many more learning opportunities. Thank you so much for allowing us to go on this amazing trip!”

Elaina Mohammad said: “I very much enjoyed the amazing trip back in time to the Victorian age. It felt so real like time got reversed. It was an experience and I want to go again. I would really recommend this trip. It was the best trip ever. Going into mines was my favourite bit.”

Mayah Lalani (Year 7) commented: “It was great to visit the Black Country Living Museum, it brought to life everything we have been learning about the Industrial Revolution. My favourite part was seeing the deep coal mines and learning about the conditions people had to live and work in. I was surprised to hear how the poor were mistreated and particularly how social norms were visible.”

View photos from the trip here.