Clydebank re-built

Titan Crane Education Resource Pack launched

06 Oct 2009

John Brown 07881 818474 
23 September 2009

Launch of the Titan Crane Education Resource Packs.

Clydebank's century old Titan Crane - the crane that helped Scotland build the world's biggest ships on the Clyde last century - is the focus for two new educational packs launched today (23^rd September) at the Scottish Learning Festival 2009 at the SECC in Glasgow.

The Titan Crane resource packs for both primary and secondary school classes have been developed by a group of west of Scotland teachers for the National Curriculum for Excellence.

They highlight the story of the Clydebank Titan, the world's first electrically powered cantilever crane and the lessons and worksheets in the packs cover a wide range of subject areas from art and drama to science and technology.

"The Titan Crane education resource pack is a flexible and interactive resource for primary and secondary classes", says Kirsty Murphy, Drama Teacher at the High School of Glasgow and one of the teachers who devised the packs. 

"It will enable teachers to create lessons which fit in with their current work programme and the packs include lots of ideas and worksheets.. From my experience, pupils felt that the history of the shipbuilding industry really came to life when they visited the Titan Crane"

Funding for the project has come from HLF and Clydebank Re-built, the town's urban regeneration company which restored the Titan Crane in 2007 as a heritage visitor centre. The Crane is now all that remains of the world renowned John Browns shipyards.

"We are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting the publication of the primary and secondary school packs and our first ever education programme at the Titan", says Eleanor McAllister, Clydebank Re-built's Managing Director.

 "The education resource packs are a key part of the new schools and community outreach programme for the Titan Crane. They will be a key aide to extending the learning both at the Crane and in class before and after a visit

The primary pack was developed by three primary teachers in West Dunbartonshire, Anne Docherty, Brendan Docherty and Julie Reilly.  Five teachers were involved in the secondary schools pack, Evelyn Barbour (Dumbarton Academy, West Dunbartonshire), Janet Kilgour (St Margaret Mary's Secondary, Glasgow), Matthew Marr (John Ogilvie High, South Lanarkshire) Jennifer McCann (Williamwood High, East Renfrewshire) and Kirsty Murphy (High School of Glasgow).

Over 20,000 visitors - including school groups - have already taken the new fast lift to the top of the Titan Crane since it was opened in July 2007.   From the top of the Crane, visitors can relive a little of the past shipbuilding history and get a panoramic view of the River Clyde and surrounding towns and countryside, including Glasgow airport.

The Titan Crane is open to the public from May to October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.   School groups and classes can be by arrangement at other times.   The Crane closes to the public on 5^th October 2009 and re-opens on Saturday 1st May 2010.

Any school interested in the Titan Crane Education resource Packs, the education programme or visiting the Titan should contact Emma Baxter, Titan Heritage Officer  Emma.Baxter@clydebankrebuilt.co.uk or phone 0141 951 3420.

Press Enquiries to
John Brown 07881 818474 0r 0141 959 4380

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