Key Stage 2 Workshops

Saxons

Choice of 2 options from the below:

  • Saxon Archaeology - The children will meet an archaeologist and learn about archaeological practices and object handling. They will learn the about what Saxons left behind for us to find and therefore understand how they lived. In small groups the children will have the chance to try out their skills as a trainee archaeologist by retrieving and cataloguing finds from sample find boxes.
  • Saxon Soldier - The children will meet a Saxon soldier where they will learn about the Saxon hierarchy. They will investigate the different clothes, armour and weapons of trained soldiers compared to peasants. They will then be given a round shield to be taught Saxon defensive tactics such as the impenetrable shield wall.
  • Saxon & Viking Archaeology - This includes finding both Saxon and Viking artefacts and be able to physically see the difference.
  • Saxon & Viking Soldier - This runs along the same style as the Saxon Soldier workshop but at each stage the children will compare the differences and similarities between Saxons and Vikings. Also they will learn about the differing tactics used by each side and have an opportunity to role play Saxons or Vikings by practicing their battle cries in the shield wall. This is funded by the heritage lottery fund.
  • Saxon Storytelling -
  • Saxon Local History: Magnificent Mercians -
  • Total cost per child: £8.50 (including admission)
  • Sessions: 45mins per session, 2 sessions.
  • Availability: All year round subject to availability.
Curriculum links
History: Why have people invaded and settled in Britain in the past? An Anglo-Saxon case study
History: How do heritage sites inform us about our local area in prehistoric times?
Innovating with History: Learning about the work of historians and Archaeologists

 

Saxons & Vikings

This runs along the same style as the Saxon workshop but at each stage the children will compare the differences and similarities between Saxons and Vikings. This includes finding both Saxon and Viking artefacts and be able to physically see the difference. Also it they will learn about the differing tactics used by each side and have an opportunity to role play Saxons or Vikings by practicing their battle cries in the shield wall. This is funded by the heritage lottery fund.

  • Total cost per child: £8.50 (including admission)
  • Sessions: 45mins per session, 2 sessions.
  • Availability: All year round subject to availability.


Medieval Household

Session 1: A favourite workshop of the children where they will take on the role of a medieval servant in the castle assisting the head servant to clear up after a big banquet. They will learn the daily chores of a medieval servant and how they would have behaved and dressed. They will also help the lord/lady make pomanders which they can take home. This role play activity focuses on the difference between rich and poor and contrasting between then and now.

Session 2: The children will learn about the hierarchy in medieval time. They will investigate the different clothes, armour and weapons of trained Knights compared to peasants. They will take a look at weapons and then participate in bill drill and marching with a bill hook (a foam one not a real one!). 

  • Total cost per child: £8.50 (including admission)
  • Sessions: 45mins per session, 2 sessions.
  • Availability: All year round subject to availability.
Curriculum links
History: Battle of Hastings and 1066
History: Homes in the past
History: Buildings
Innovating with History: Ways of introducing pupils to historical interpretation
Innovating with history: Learning about the work of Historians and Archaeologists

 

Tudor workshops

Session 1: A favourite workshop of the children where they will take on the role of a Tudor servant in the castle assisting the head servant to clear up after a big banquet. They will learn the daily chores of a Tudor servant and how they would have behaved and dressed. They will also help the lord/lady make pomanders which they can take home. This role play activity focuses on the difference between rich and poor and contrasting between then and now.

Session 2: There are two different options you can chose for your second session:

Option A: Tudor Handling.
In this session the children will handle Tudor artefacts from a range of different backgrounds. They will also have the opportunity to practice Tudor writing with quill and ink and they then can take home their work.

Option B: Tudor Dancing
A fun and active session for the children where they can join in with an array of rich and poor dances with the dance master. (please note that this option has a maximum capacity of 75 children) 

  • Total cost per child: £8.50 (including admission)
  • Sessions: 45mins per session, 2 sessions.
  • Availability: All year round subject to availability.
Curriculum links
History: Tudors: Why did Henry VIII marry six times?
History: Tudors: What were the differences between rich and poor people in Tudor times?
Innovating with History: Ways of introducing pupils to historical interpretation
Ways of introducing interpretation: Producing interpretations in role

Guided Tours

The tours are designed to encourage children to explore the Castle through activities including handling armour, costume and household objects. The tour focuses on the use of the castle rooms and the life of the different inhabitants. The sessions can be tailored to meet the requirements of the group’s study needs.

  • Total cost per child: £8.50 (including admission)
  • Runtime: Lasts for one and a half hours per group.
  • Availability: All year round subject to availability.
Curriculum links
History: Homes in the past: Buildings
History: Homes in the past: Homes
Innovating with History: Ways of introducing pupils to historical interpretation
Innovating with history: Learning about the work of Historians and Archaeologists