A Temple to Water: Papplewick Water Education Interdisciplinary Curriculum Map and Activities

Preparing in class for your visit

Initial stimulus:

Jenny Sparrow’s letter

This is the stimulus for the children’s quest to visit Papplewick.

Jenny asks them to find out what Thomas Hawksley is doing to combat the dangers of cholera by improving the water supply to Nottingham.

The children need to read this before they visit Papplewick.

(You will receive printed copies of the letter at the Teachers’ Preparatory visit.)

Download copies here:

‘Dirty water’

Jenny also sends them a bottle of ‘dirty water’ (which you will receive at the Teachers’ Preparatory visit).

Please decide which children will present the letter and the bottle of water to Mr Hawksley at the beginning of the day at Papplewick.

Do contact us on if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!

This section outlines all the practical things you need to know, and do, before your school visit to Papplewick.

Enquiries and Booking

Please contact us on and we will get back to you.

Risk Assessments

Please read and check the A Temple to Water Risk Assessment with your own procedures.
It should be read in conjunction with the Papplewick PS General Risk Assessment for School Groups, also available below:

Click here to download A Temple to Water Risk Assessment
Click here to download Papplewick PS General Risk Assessment for School Groups

Timetable for your visit

The day lasts from 9.30 to 3pm. If there are any issues with your timings, we will discuss them at the Teachers’ Preparatory Meeting beforehand.

Click here to download the Timetable. We will give you copies on the day, updated for your visit if necessary.

Preparing your children for the visit

Please look at the list of pre-activities on the left hand column of this page for what you need to do in the classroom before you arrive at Papplewick on the day.

Practically:

Before you arrive, please split your group into four equal smaller groups: ‘Ice’, ‘Snow’, ‘Water’ and ‘Steam’.
Each small group should have at least one responsible adult to lead them.
Each group leader will receive a laminated, colour coded copy of the A Temple to Water Teachers’ Guide for use during the day.
The Guide informs you where to go, and when, and offers questions and background information for each group leader to support children’s explorations of the site.
Ideally each group leader should read the downloadable version of the Teacher’s Guide beforehand, to familiarise themselves with the structure and content of the day.
There will be additional information for you in some locations.

Lunches and Clothing

Packed lunches and drinks should be brought. They will be stored safely in the Tea Rooms.
Everyone should wear sensible, sturdy shoes, and be prepared for all weather conditions.

Access

If there are pupil access issues at all, these must be discussed with us on booking, and at your Teachers’ Preparatory Visit.
NB Papplewick Pumping Station is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, so access can be tricky for children with mobility issues, especially access to the Underground Reservoir, where there is no wheelchair access.
The terrain can be rough at times, and affected by the weather. The team will ensure all children experience the site fully, but do need to discuss any potential issues beforehand.
Please let us know if there are any other communication needs that we need to know about in advance.
Access to the Reservoir will be dependent on weather conditions, and will be confirmed by the Museum Director.