By Amanda Payne
21 November 2024
On Monday, 18th November, a group of students from Level 4 Tourism, Level 5 Events Management, and Level 6 Visitor Attraction and Resort Management were headhunted to participate in a unique focus group session at Historic Stafford’s Ancient High House.
The Purpose of the Project
The focus group was part of a broader initiative by Historic Stafford to reinterpret the Civil War Room at the Ancient High House. This room, which has remained unchanged for over 20 years, is undergoing a thoughtful transformation aimed at making it more inclusive and engaging. Recent studies conducted by Historic Stafford have highlighted the needs of neurodivergent communities and accessibility challenges within the museum. However, there remains a significant gap in engaging younger audiences, particularly those aged 18 to 24.
This is where our handpicked students stepped in—to share their perspectives, contribute fresh ideas, and help shape a visitor experience that resonates with a modern audience. Their selection for this prestigious opportunity reflects their potential to lead and innovate within the industry.
A Day of Collaboration and Insight
During the session, the students were facilitated by consultants in a series of workshops. These activities encouraged them to:
- Evaluate the current presentation of the Civil War Room.
- Critically assess its relevance and appeal to younger demographics.
- Share insights on what might attract their peers to museums.
- Suggest innovative ways to interact with historical content.
The workshops were dynamic and thought-provoking, with students engaging in discussions about historical storytelling, inclusivity, modern technology, and the financial viability of proposed ideas. The feedback they provided is set to inform not only the redesign of the Civil War Room but also the ongoing reinterpretation of the entire museum.
Linking Theory to Practice
For the students, this experience bridged classroom learning and industry practice. By engaging directly with a real-life project, they were able to:
- Apply their academic knowledge to a professional setting.
- Gain insight into the challenges of managing and interpreting heritage sites.
- Develop critical thinking and communication skills.
- Network with industry professionals and fellow students across levels.
Enhancing Employability
Being headhunted for this project reflects the high regard in which these students are held by both their academic programme and industry leaders. This collaborative effort aligns with Historic Stafford’s commitment to fostering relationships that enhance student employability. By involving students in meaningful projects, the initiative offers a platform to build practical skills, gain industry exposure, and contribute to the cultural landscape of the community.
Looking Ahead
The feedback collected during the session will be instrumental in creating an inclusive, engaging, and modernised Civil War Room at the Ancient High House. A second day of workshops at the Gatehouse Theatre on 19th November will extend this opportunity to other community members, ensuring broad representation in the project.
We are immensely proud of our students for their active participation and thoughtful contributions. Their selection for this prestigious focus group exemplifies how partnerships between academic programmes and industry can create enriching experiences that benefit everyone involved. and anticipate seeing the impact of their ideas on this exciting transformation!