YOUNGSTERS from a Barnard Castle primary school took time out of the classroom to help run a museum.
Year five and six pupils at St Mary’s RC Primary School took part in a takeover day at The Bowes Museum.
They were given hands-on experience in departments including conservation, finance, marketing, public relations and front of house team.
The children spent the day assisting curators and stewards, stocking the shelves in the shop, serving customers and interviewing the museum’s director, Adrian Jenkins. The museum’s education and learning co-ordinator, Julia Dunn, said: “This is the third year we have done this.
“The initiative is about allowing the children to find out about the heritage sector and a bit about the behind the scenes operations in a museum.
“The children taking part have been working in various departments throughout the museum. It gives them an insight into future careers. It also enables the staff to work with the children – and the children provide feedback to the museum.”
The opportunity was organised by Kids In Museums as part of its national takeover day. The independent charity teamed up with Arts Council England to celebrate young people’s contributions to museums, galleries, arts organisations, archives and heritage sites. Pupil Lillie Richards said: “I did not want to work in fashion because I thought I would have to style dresses and it would be boring but it is fun.”
Teaching assistant Sarah Fells added: “I think the children have gained more than they thought they would from today’s visit. It is a good experience for them to think about their future.”
