|
Stotfold Mill is very pleased to welcome visiting parties of school children and students of all ages.
Curriculum areas to which a mill visit might be particularly relevant include:
History - A mill has stood on this site for at least 1000 years. Along with reference to three other mills in Stotfold, it is recorded in the Doomsday Book. Information can be given on the history of the Mill and of the village. Studies, for example, could be made of the integral role of the Mill in the local community and of the historical development of milling.
Geography and Environmental Studies – Stotfold Mill is situated in the river Ivel, which rises a few miles away at Baldock. Agriculture is widespread in this area. The Mill provides an excellent foundation for studies associating industry and geographical features, whilst the millrace and sluices illustrate aspects of river management.
Science – Even the youngest children who visiting us have been fascinated by the machinery and the milling processes that convert grain into flour. For older students there are a multitude of features in the Mill and milling to enhance their studies or to initiate scientific investigations.
Physics – Working examples of energy conversions and mechanics abound throughout the Mill.
Biology – The adjacent Mill Meadow and river Ivel holds a wide variety of wildlife and provides an excellent location for field study groups.
Technology – Whilst the machinery and mill construction provides boundless examples and ideas relevant to technology at all levels, older students will particularly be fascinated by the craftsmanship that has gone into the reconstruction of the Mill and mill machinery. Features of the traditional milling machinery will provide stimulants for their own Design and Make projects.
Art – Besides viewing the display of work by local artists, students will find much, both in and around the Mill, to encourage creative ideas.
Facilities available:
Car and Coach Parking is available in the adjacent Mill Meadow.
Disabled Access is available to all parts of the Mill.
Mill Guides will be available to talk about the history, machinery and milling processes as appropriate to the group
Toilets are in the Mill.
Refreshments might be made available on prior request. Packed lunches could be eaten in the Mill Meadow, if the weather is fine, or seating in Randall’s Tea Room within the Mill could be made available.
A Study Area can be available for students to carry out written work.
Mill Merchandise can be purchased as a memento of the visit.
Resource materials are not currently available although we are planning to develop materials. Suggestions and advice from teachers would be very welcome
Photography of any parts of the Mill and mill machinery is permitted.
Safety issues
All teachers are invited to make a prior visit to the Mill, by appointment, to discuss the requirements for their visit and the specific interests of the group, before making a booking.
The maximum size party that the Mill can accommodate at anytime is around 30.
Groups will have exclusive access to the Mill during their visit.
All mill machinery is fenced for public safety, without obscuring views, and advice has been taken from appropriate authorities to ensure high standards of safety throughout the Mill.
Schools visiting the Mill must carry out their own risk assessments, for all aspects of the visit, and are expected to provide sufficient accompanying staff to ensure that any requirements of Health and Safety and Child Protection can be met.
We are a working flour mill, and would remind potential visitors who may suffer from wheat or flour-related allergies of this. |
