A Temple to Water

Immersive drama museum interpretation

Welcome to A Temple to Water, the award-winning, immersive, education visit to England’s finest preserved Victorian water works, Papplewick Pumping Station in Nottinghamshire.

Following a quest to discover how Victorian engineer Thomas Hawksley has responded to the scourge of cholera in C19th Nottingham, pupils arrive at Papplewick and ‘enter the past’. Throughout the day they explore Papplewick’s beautiful site, including the magnificently ornate and atmospheric Engine and Boiler Houses. They meet characters from the museum’s industrial and social history, learning through empathetic interactions, installations, hands on practical activities, and song.

The school visit is part of an education offer which investigates Papplewick’s local, social and engineering history, and its further significance as a site for considering the management of global water resources today. The visit is supported with cross curricula resources, an Interdisciplinary Curriculum Map, and accompanying resource posters published by the University of Nottingham Department of Education.

Developed over the last 10 years by artists, heritage experts, teachers and children, this visit can support a half term’s thematic curriculum around water, science, geography, history, and literacy, and is focussed on Key Stages 2 and 3.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are indebted to the support of Dragon Breath Theatre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, the volunteers of Papplewick Pumping Station and the funding we have received over the years since developing this work in 2011.

Do contact us on education@papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you!

We are indebted to the support of Dragon Breath Theatre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, the volunteers of Papplewick Pumping Station and the funding we have received over the years since developing this work in 2011.

Please tap the button below to email us, should you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you!

Educational Visits at Papplewick
Educational Visits
Educational Visits

preparing in class for your visit

initial stimulus

Jenny Sparrow’s Letter

(This is the stimulus for the children’s quest to visit Papplewick.)

Jenny asks them to find out what Thomas Hawksley is doing to combat the dangers of cholera by improving the water supply to Nottingham.

The children need to read this before they visit Papplewick.

(You will receive printed copies of the letter at the Teachers’ Preparatory visit.)
Download copies below:

Timetable

(Actual timings may vary slightly on the day)

  • 09.00 Coffee, welcome & safety briefing
  • 09.20 Introductory Tour
  • 10.00 Workshop 1 (Boiler/Engines/Forge)
  • 10.45 Coffee/Tea
  • 11.00 Workshop 2 (Boiler/Engines/Forge)
  • 11.45 Workshop 3 (Boiler/Engines/Forge)
  • 12.30 Lunch
  • 13.15 Workshop 4 (Boiler/Engines/Forge)
  • 14.00 Visit to underground reservoir
  • 15.00 Tea & Presentation of certificates
Experience Steam at Papplewick

Practical information for your visit

This section outlines all the practical things you need to know, and do, before your school visit to Papplewick.

Enquiries & Bookings

  • Please tap the button below to send an email and one of our team will get back to you to discuss your school visit :

Risk Assessments

  • Please read and check the A Temple to Water Risk Assessment with your own procedures.
  • It should be read in conjunction with the Papplewick PS General Risk Assessment for School Groups, also available below:

Timetable for your visit

  • The day lasts from 9.30 to 3pm.
    If there are any issues with your timings, we will discuss them at the Teachers’ Preparatory Meeting beforehand.
  • Click below to download the Timetable. We will give you copies on the day, updated for your visit if necessary.

Preparing your children for the visit

  • Please look at the list of pre-activities in the above section for what you need to do in the classroom before you arrive at Papplewick on the day.

Practically

  • Before you arrive, please split your group into four equal smaller groups:
     ‘Ice’, ‘Snow’, ‘Water’ and ‘Steam’.
  • Each small group should have at least one responsible adult to lead them.
    Each group leader will receive a laminated, colour coded copy of the A Temple to Water Teachers’ Guide for use during the day.
  • The Guide informs you where to go, and when, and offers questions and background information for each group leader to support children’s explorations of the site.
  • Ideally each group leader should read the downloadable version of the Teacher’s Guide beforehand, to familiarise themselves with the structure and content of the day.
  • There will be additional information for you in some locations.

Lunches & Clothing

  • Packed lunches and drinks must be brought. They will be stored safely in the café.
  • Everyone should wear sensible, sturdy shoes, and be prepared for all weather conditions.

Access

  • If there are pupil access issues at all, these must be discussed with us on booking, and at your Teachers’ Preparatory Visit.
  • N.B. Papplewick Pumping Station is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, so access can be tricky for children with mobility issues. The team will ensure all children experience the site fully, but we do need to discuss any potential issues beforehand.
  • Please let us know if there are any other communication needs that we need to know about in advance.

INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION RESOURCES

INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION RESOURCES

We have compiled a range of resources for you to use in the classroom prior to your visit, which are available to download / view below.

PRE-VISIT RESOURCES

SCIENCE RESOURCES

GEOGRAPHY RESOURCES

HISTORY RESOURCES

ENGLISH RESOURCES

POSTER RESOURCES

OUR SUPPORTERS

Supporters

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support the pumping station’s ongoing maintenance with a donation