History workshops we offer
Here are the history workshops that we currently offer. All of our workshops are linked to popular history topics taught in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, and are designed to support the children's learning.
Each workshop is pitched appropriately to Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2, but this can be altered upon request. Likewise, each workshop follows their summary given below, but particular emphasis can be given to certain areas of learning if requested.
The Great Fire
of London
Key Stage 1
'Smoky John' the Night Watchman retells the fateful events of devastating conflagration of 1666.
He demonstrates what life was like in London at the time and discusses why the city was unprepared to deal with the impending inferno.
He then recounts the spread of the Great Fire, day by day, and explains how it was eventually brought under control four days later. Finally, he describes the aftermath and how London was forever changed by the experience.
The Golden Age
of Piracy
Key Stage 1
Captain Stormalong John takes the children on a voyage across the seven seas in search of his buried treasure!
During the voyage, the children learn about what drove honest sailors to piracy, the living conditions for a pirate, and how piracy was a global phenomenon. He considers whether the popular image of the pirate is accurate, and regales the crew with tales of the most renowned pirates of the age. Yaaaaarrr!
An interview with a Spitfire pilot
Key Stage 2
Flight Lieutenant John recounts the outbreak of the Second World War through the eyes of a British civilian and explains how life abruptly changed for everyone.
He'll talk with passion about life in the 1930s and 1940s, the efforts on the Home Front, service in the Royal Air Force and how the war unfolded on the land, sea and air.
This workshop presents the children with an ideal opportunity to ask prepared questions that they may have about the topic.
The Gunpowder
Plot
Key Stage 1
Remember, remember the Fifth of November as John (Wright), one of the 13 infamous Conspirators, secretly recounts the story of the failed gunpowder plot.
In simple terms, he explains the motivation behind the plot then gets the children to act, step by step, through the tense days leading up to the 5th November and the eventual thwarting and capture of the conspirators!