Curious minds come alive to explore the arts and humanities

Staff and students at The University of Nottingham will be breathing life into characters from history and fiction to take local primary school pupils on a whistle-stop tour of the arts and humanities. From ancient Romans and Spartan elite athletes to French royalty, Alice in Wonderland and the intergalactic time traveller Doctor Who, a two day event packed with interactive activities will give around 120 youngsters an insight into how the arts and humanities have shaped our history and continue to impact on our everyday lives. The Curious Minds: Exploring the Arts and Humanities event will also feature a tour of Nottingham's University Park campus, offering what for many of the pupils will be their first taste of life at one of the UK's leading universities. Stephanie Lewthwaite , lecturer in the University's School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies and Arts Faculty Widening Participation Officer said: "This is the first time that the various schools and departments within the University's Faculty of Arts have come together to organise an outreach event for local primary school children. "The event, which is funded by the University's Hermes Fellowship scheme, builds on the commitment and expertise of staff and students who are already working with local primaries through outreach events, taster sessions and after school clubs. "It is vital that our research and teaching activities in the Arts go hand in hand with outreach and community engagement. We also want the children to experience in a fun and exciting way the importance of the arts and humanities, as a means of understanding human society and as a way of gaining valuable skills, asking key questions and thinking creatively and critically." - Roman hairdressing to Spartan Olympians.