In recent years there has been considerable growth in the educational use of archives. Under the National Curriculum (1991, revised 1994), primary schools are obliged to undertake a Local History study, and both primary and secondary schools are required to make use of primary source material in the form of documents, maps and photographs. OFSTED inspection teams expect to see pupils learning from appropriate resources in the classroom. At the same time, more students at A level and degree level are required to produce a personal study or dissertation using primary source material. A new range of Further Education courses, including NVQs and Access courses, can also make use of evidence from archives, particularly where such courses include an element of study of a local community and its development.

Teachers in schools face huge timetable pressures and have to deliver effective learning within limited resources. Students undertaking personal study projects are often confused and daunted by the range of resources and services that may be available. It is not enough that archives services hold relevant resources which are available for consultation – they need to give help and guidance on how such resources can best be used, and deliver a service that is relevant and appropriate to the different types of education users.

The Education Service was established in September 2004.

Resources

The Education Service is managed by the Deputy County Archivist, on the basis of one day per week or equivalent. GMCRO staff are involved in all aspects of the service, from responding to enquiries, producing resources, planning and providing workshops and training events.

Funding – The Education service is funded from within GMCRO'S annual budget. Funding facilitates the purchase of relevant resources, training, and outlay on producing resources. Some elements of the Education Service are charged for (e.g. talks, INSET training etc.) to provide continued funding.

• To work closely with schools and colleges within Greater Manchester to support the delivery of the history curriculum and related subjects

• To encourage use of archives and resources held by GMCRO and other archive and local studies services throughout Greater Manchester.

• To make use of the expertise available within GMCRO in caring for and interpreting archives.

• To not only meet existing demand, but create demand and grow a wider customer base.

• To build good relationships within the education sector in Greater Manchester.

• To develop partnerships with other education service providers in the cultural and heritage sectors in Greater Manchester and beyond.

• To provide a good experience for education users of archives, who may well return as adult users of archive services, or be depositors or benefactors in the future.

• To keep abreast of developments in the National Curriculum and local education initiatives.

• To be a source of positive publicity for GMCRO.