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Your Venture Programme

The Cromford Green Energy Project invites pupils to attend a two-day two-night residential course on energy, renewables and sustainability. Closely mapping the National Curriculum for England and Wales, the project aims to raise "Energy Literacy" by introducing pupils to the range of current energy types available in the UK and beyond.

Hands on activities and investigations will reveal the environmental impact energy may be having on our climate and how to move towards a sustainable energy future. The programme concludes with a practical investigation into one of the renewable sources available at the Cromford Mills site: water power.

All the activities on this programme will be designed and pitched appropriately to the student age group and ability.

THE THREE KEY CURRICULUM LINKS THE PROGRAMME DELIVERS

Materials and their properties

Pupils will be learning about fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) and the range of products that derive from these non-renewable sources (changing state, solids, liquids, gases, separating mixtures). For pupils at secondary level this element of the workshop looks more closely at the organic chemistry involved in refining fuels, polymers, alkanes and alkenes and the science behind the climate change debate.

Renewable energy

Pupils will be invited to investigate the range of renewables currently available with specific emphasis on wind and solar. Solar and wind power kits will be supplied for the pupils to assemble both inside the Cromford Mill and outside at a comparative location. The aim of this activity is to assess and understand the potential benefits and limits inherent in renewable energy sources. Secondary pupils will examine the physics behind this technology, the manufacturing process and energy payback ratios.

SC1 Scientific Investigation

Four teams of pupils will be invited to construct a water wheel designed to generate electricity. The power produced drives a small buggy and the pupils will take part in a race. The predications, comparisons and results plotted will be at the core of this investigative science activity. Secondary pupils will follow the same programme whilst examining the first law of Thermodynamics; that energy cannot be lost, only converted to another form of energy.

OUTLINE OF THE CROMFORD GREEN TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

The programme invites students to take part in a range of energy based science activities, devised and delivered by the Energy MC² Rob Farr. Rob initially worked for the oil industry as a civil engineer before becoming involved in environmental work. Whilst studying at the Open University he began developing a range of Science/ Energy based resources for the primary sector and is now a consultant to several major oil “giants” on education and environmental issues. He has taught over 10,000 pupils in several countries. Rob is a registered Ambassador with SETNET and is also CRB cleared.

Project Charges

Prices start at just £60 + VAT per pupil subject to a minimum group size of 16. This includes all tuition and self-catering accommodation costs. Catering can be provided on request. Likewise, groups can also book tours of Cromford Mill and Cromford Village to complement their residential. Charges per tour are £2.50 per pupil plus a group guide fee of £10 for a mill tour, £15 for a village tour or £20 for a combined tour. Teachers and group leaders go free.

Staying at the Cromford Venture Centre

The Cromford Venture Centre is owned and managed by the Arkwright Society, an educational charity primarily concerned with the conservation of the built and natural environment. Opened in 1996 by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the Centre is set on the edge of the historic village of Cromford. The Centre provides dormitory accommodation for parties of up to 24 young people and four leaders. The rooms are comfortable and large enough to provide an oasis of calm after the rigours of a day in the open air. There are separate bedrooms, showers and washing facilities for teaching staff. Pupils sit together to eat meals, which can be provided, from the Cromford Mill restaurant if desired. The simple matter of sharing a bedroom with peers and eating together is undoubtedly part of the overall learning experience recognised as being important in the personal and social development of children – a fact acknowledged in the current Department for Children, Schools and Families manifesto for learning outside the classroom. Staff at the Cromford Venture Centre have extensive experience of organising residential projects for both primary and secondary schools.