Census material for Edinburgh and Glasgow in 1851 and 1891 is used in Auld Reekie and the Dear Green Place to compare and contrast life in a rich and poor part of both cities, namely Royal Terrace and the Cowgate in Edinburgh and Sandyford Place and Malta StreetNorfolk Street in Glasgow.

Changing patterns of population movement, the widening gap between the rich and poor and the lives of people in the latter half of the 19th century can thus be investigated.

Although designed to support the 5-14 environmental studies programme, the CD-Rom contains much material which would be relevant to Standard grade. The section on housing and population movement, for example, could be used for Section 1B. Also, the sections on leisure and transport provide a focus for Intermediate social change in Scotland from the 1880s. An additonal bonus is the wealth of census data which can be used as part of an enquiry exercise. And, of course, the CD-Rom can be used to fulfil several information and communications technology targets.

There are 11 sections for pupils to examine, including health and housing, work and pay, religion and education. Another plus point is that the exercises are already prepared. These can either be printed off in advance, providing a booklet of materials for pupils to work through, or the pupil can type their answers into a computer and then run-off the completed sheets. Either way, the pupil and teacher has a record of what has been achieved.

There are also copies of the 1897 Ordnance Survey maps. When the pupil clicks on a house number, the CD-Rom reveals details of the inhabitants who lived there. These can be traced through the census, which can also be studied by the pupil.

Useful examples of typical searches are provided and the pupil can also devise their own. Clicking on green highlighted information will take the pupil to other areas, such as photographs. Some of the most evocative images are of late Victorian Britain. The contrast between rich and poor is graphically illustrated with video and audio clips giving depth to the topic. As well as the original sources, transcripts are available.

Twists of fate which could help or hinder families are illustrated by a draft game similar to snakes and ladders. More able pupils could be asked to devise their own rules which would influence a family’s life, whether rich or poor.

Much original research has obviously been carried out by Peter Hillis and Drew Calderhead, who are to be congratulated on this CD-Rom. It is exactly the sort of material which school history departments need to support the 5-14 national development and the National Grid for Learning. The University of Strathclyde should assist all staff who produce such materials.

Jim McGonigle

Jim McGonigle teaches at Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh