Maritime activity 2: a dramatic cross-Channel voyage

Overview

The children use Learn with Objects and other sources to explore the history of cross-Channel voyages from Folkestone.

Then they develop a piece of poetry, creative writing, animation or art inspired by a crossing, including any dramatic incidents.

Learning objectives - Curriculum links

Learning objectives
Increased knowledge and understanding of the history of cross Channel ferry journeys from Folkestone.

Research skills through internet research.

Develop creative skills and confidence in writing, poetry, art, animation or drama.

Curriculum links

KS1-2 History (Local History Study).

KS1-2 English (creative writing, poetry)

KS1-2 ICT (animation skills)

KS1-2 Art and Design (Create a stormy Channel seascape)

Introduction

Use Learn with Objects Maritime 2: girl in a dress at sea as your starting point.

Imagine you are the girl in the red dress, or one of the other characters on board.

Who are you?
How has the voyage been to this point?
Where are you going?
What might happen next - to the ship, the vessels on the horizon, to you or the other passengers?

The painting shows a scene on board the SS Queen, an Edwardian cross-Channel steamer, that later served during WW1 to take troops across to France.

Look closely at the painting and other objects and images on the Learning from Objects website for inspiration and authentic detail.

Find out about the history of this important cross-Channel route through internet research, in documents, paintings, photos, film and the memories of parents and grandparents.

See www.britishpathe.com for some excellent newsreel footage of cross-Channel voyages.

Creative activity - a dramatic cross-Channel voyage

Develop the theme of a dramatic cross-Channel voyage as a piece of art, creative writing, poetry, animation or drama.

Depending on your media, think about how you might introduce movement, sounds and voices, to indicate the bustle of embarkation, the noise of the steam engines, the shouts of the crew, the ship’s whistle, a storm at sea, the rolling motion of the vessel, seasickness, a rescue, the calm after the storm, safe arrival in France, or even shipwreck.