A group of about 20 Year 1 children posing for a group photo in front of Alice Hawkins statue in Leicester. — Enthusiastic Year 1 children at Alice Hawkin's statue © Historic England More about 100 years of suffrage

Enthusiastic Year 1 children at Alice Hawkin's statue © Historic England More about 100 years of suffrage

Celebrating a Centenary of Suffrage

Published 25 April 2018

The struggle for democracy has been a major theme for Heritage Schools this term. From heritage walks and unveiling of statues, find out what's been happening in the East Midlands area.

Leicester’s story of democracy

The unveiling of the statue of Leicester's own suffragette, Alice Hawkins, has been a major news item this year. It's 100 years since some women first got to vote.

At the Continuing Professional Development day held at Leicester Town Hall, teachers had the opportunity to explore the themes and history of local democracy with Leicester Lord Mayor Roshi. They also learnt about the Leicester Suffragette Alice Hawkins from one of her living relatives. A trail of significant buildings relating to Leicester's story of democracy and the law was enjoyed by all in the afternoon.

Teachers seated conference style hearing a presentation from Leicester Lord Mayor Roshi

Teachers attended the British Values CPD at Leicester Town Hall © Historic England

Many local schools have been exploring British Values through Leicester's built heritage. These KS1 children from Hazel were really excited to visit the statue. They'd been inspired by a visit from Alice's great grandson Peter Barratt.

Group of about 20 Year 1 kids in winter hats and coats standing in a group in front of a bronze statue of a woman in Edwardian clothing.

Excited Year 1 children visiting Alice Hawkin's statue © Historic England

Land of Learning School explores heritage of Evington

Land of Learning School has been exploring the heritage of Evington throughout their Heritage Week. Highlights included looking for evidence of bomb damage from the Second World War, a visit to a First World War memorial and various trails around the area.

Display of kids' work on the topic of Leicester in the Second World War

Children's exhibition about Leicester during the Second World War © Historic England

The culmination was an Open Day at the school when parents and members of the local community were invited to share the classes' work. They were awarded their Heritage Schools status for their fantastic work.

Teachers from Land of Learning School receiving a Heritage Schools Award.

Receiving a Heritage Schools Award © Historic England

Leicester teachers’ history cluster group to share resources and stories

Teachers have got together to form a cluster group in the Braunstone and New Parks areas of the city. The idea is to share resources, find advice and find out more about the local stories of the area.

The initial meeting at the newly refurbished Winstanley House was a great success. We enjoyed tea and cake while finding out about the fascinating history of Braunstone Hall. Subsequent meetings have been planned. If you'd like to be involved, please get in touch.

A group of teachers meet local historian Helen Catterwell.

Teacher training at Coalville

At a training session in Coalville teachers learnt how to use historical maps, census and directories to explore their local area. The session was held at Donington le Heath Manor House. We're planning a cluster group meeting to explore the fascinating local heritage of the area. If you'd like to be involved, please get in touch.