GEM Conference 2008 - Overview
Tuesday 2 September to Friday 5 September 2008
Medway, Kent
Heritage Learning and Social Change
Heritage learning can make a significant contribution to a functioning, stable modern society. This conference investigates the current socio-economic and cultural issues that are shaping heritage learning. Recognising the value of sharing best practice across the wider heritage sector, this conference examines the strategic and practical factors influencing the delivery of socially responsive learning and interpretation. In particular, it addresses how heritage learning can help to implement government policies such as Every Child Matters, Learning Outside the Classroom and the Five Hour Cultural Offer.
The experiences and opportunities offered will engage and inspire professionals from career-entry to senior management level.
Wednesday 3 September
Heritage Learning at the Heart
of Social Change
Heritage
learning is an increasingly important means by which individuals and communities
identify with modern society. Modern British society is undergoing some
significant changes – some of the consequences of which are positive, others
problematic. What are the social developments that heritage organisations need
to be aware of and how can heritage learning work to facilitate this change?
Thursday 4 September
The Flexible and
Responsive Heritage Organisation
Are heritage organisations equipped to provide the flexible and responsive
learning needed to support and facilitate social and cultural change? We
highlight potential obstacles to accessing and interpreting our diverse local
heritage and we explore some varied solutions ranging from the strategic
(organisational transformation and talent management) to the practical (using
volunteers, working in partnership).
Friday
5 September
Heritage Education
and Government Policy
Learning now
plays a central role in government policy regarding young people's welfare. In
the light of major policy developments such as Every Child Matters, the Learning
Outside the Classroom Manifesto, diplomas and the Five Hour Cultural Offer, what
contribution can heritage learning make to the successful education of a young
person today?
Conference is based at the Medway Campus in Chatham, Kent. The Medway Campus is home to "Universities at Medway" – a unique partnership which has brought together the University of Greenwich, the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and Mid-Kent College at this shared site. Home to HMS Pembroke Royal Naval Barracks from 1903 to 1984, these splendid historic buildings have recently benefited from a £50 million investment which has restored for modern use the former glory of majestic buildings like the naval drill hall and the Pilkington Building, where Conference will be based.