At the Bradford Police Museum, we understand the value of experiential learning and community engagement in preparing students for future educational and career opportunities. Our partnership with the Bradford Police Museum is a prime example of how we integrate local history and culture into our curriculum, particularly within our performing arts program.
Understanding Local History and Community Needs
Our collaboration with Bradford’s Police Museum allows us to connect our curriculum to the rich history of policing in Bradford. This partnership not only provides our students with insights into local heritage but also aligns our educational goals with community engagement. By understanding the historical context of policing in Bradford, we empower students to create meaningful performances that resonate with both local audiences and the broader community.
Curriculum Design and Implementation
The relationship with the Bradford Police Museum significantly enriches our curriculum through the following initiatives:
Museum Tours and Historical Context
Performing arts students participate in an initial tour of the museum, where they learn about the policing history of Bradford. The foundational knowledge serves as inspiration for their creative projects, allowing them to delve deeper into the narratives and characters that have shaped the community.
Creative Performance Projects
Following their tour, students are tasked with creating a performance piece based on historical characters from Bradford’s policing history. This project encourages students to research, develop, and present their work, fostering critical thinking and creativity while connecting them to local history.
Annual Halloween Ghost Tours
Our students’ performances culminate in participation in the museum’s yearly Halloween ghost tours. This unique opportunity allows them to showcase their work to the public, enhancing their confidence and performance skills while engaging with the community in a dynamic and interactive setting.
Professional Opportunities
As a result of their involvement with the museum, two of our stufdents have secured regular professional work as actors on the monthly ghost tour. This experience not only enhances their CV but provides them with practical insights into the performing arts industry, preparing them for future employment.
Impact on Student Learning and Development
The collaboration with the Bradford Police Museum offers our students invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world settings. By engaging with local history and community events, students develop a strong sense of place and identity, which enhances their creative expression and understanding of the performing arts.
Highlights of our Partnership
Bradford Police Museum Halloween Project
The Extended Diploma Performing Arts students enjoyed another year working in collaboration with The Bradford Police Museum for their Halloween Ghost Tours. After a tour of the museum the brief requires students to research real historical prisoners and staff from the museum and to create a performance piece surrounding real historical stories and characters. The student then take part in the museums Halloween tours and perform for visitors. Out talented Media Make up and Special Effects students support the project in terms of creating our ‘ghosts of the museum’.
