School visits
hands-on inspiring learning
A journey of discovery starts here
hands-on activities boudica spiral staircase investigate rag rugging problem solving
tudor chest discover coin rubbing cross curricular chariot embalming questioning
evidence archaeology fun team work trails smelling spices investigating romans
Contents
Places to explore
From Egyptians to Romans, Mansion to Castle, our museums inspire children
to look, investigate, compare and question their ideas about the world around
them. The wide range of collections provide endless possibilities to explore
any area of learning. We welcome all groups, whether you want to plan your
own visit or take part in one of our active museum-led sessions.
Group visits:
Facilities:
All group visits must be booked in advance,
see booking information on page 15.
All sites have a bookable indoor lunch
space, shop, accessible toilets and coach
drop-off point.
Special needs:
We have experience in tailoring our sessions
to meet special needs. Please ring and talk
to us before booking.
For more information about
individual sites please see our website:
www.cimuseums.org.uk
Hollytrees
Museum
P6
Toys KS1
P6
Homes KS1
P7
Victorian Lives
KS2
Colchester
Castle
P4
Castles as
Homes KS1
P5
Romans in
Colchester KS2
Colchester
2
A1
2
fun colchester castle creativity hollytrees museum dressing up ipswich
Ipswich
Christchurch
Mansion
P10 Toys KS1
P11 Victorian
Home KS1
P12
Ipswich Museum
P8
P13
Handling Boxes
KS1 + KS2
P8
Ipswich at War
KS2
P9
Journeys in
Ancient Egypt
KS2
Upstairs,
Downstairs KS2
Tudor Trades KS2
A14
Ipswich Art
School
P14 KS1 + KS2
Visits
2
1
A
“There’s lots to talk about and it gives
children a more ‘hands-on’ experience
of the past”
Teacher, St Peter’s C of E Primary School
A120
A1
20
Our education programmes are developed
through consultation with teachers on our
Teacher Advisory Panels in Colchester and
Ipswich Museums.
A133
To receive information about this group and
new resources for schools please join our
teachers mailing list. See page 15 for details.
museum imagination christchurch mansion role play ipswich art school
3
Castles as Homes
Key stage 1, whole day visit
Dressed up in our colourful tabards your children will
become trainee knights for the day and experience what it
was like to live and work in the Castle. Storytelling, trails and
hands-on gallery activities will inspire your children’s
imagination and keep them actively engaged. The day
includes:
Castle story tour*
with a Knight or Medieval Lady, explore hidden
parts of the Castle
climb the Great Stairs for a birds-eye view from the
Castle roof
Exploring the Castle keep
Look inside the new giant Castle model and see
what it may have been like when people lived and
worked here
“I liked going on the roof and I liked
building a fireplace”
Pupil, All Saints Primary School
follow the Castle trail to find out how it
was built
work as a team to build an arch
dress up as different characters and investigate
special ‘object boxes’ linked to the character and
the exciting new galleries
lunch at long tables in the Castle keep!
* Lift access in the Castle is limited to the galleries. An alternative story tour
is available for children who are unable to access the roof or vaults.
“Children see what a castle is like,
what it was for and who lived in one.
Really brought the subject to life”
Teacher, Ranelagh County
Primary School
For more information or to book a group visit please call 01206 282937
4
handling pottery knight illuminated letters evidence spiral staircase
Romans in
Colchester
Key Stage 2, whole day visit
Children will take on the role of archaeologists,
investigating the events that led to up to Boudica’s revolt
and the impact they had on different people’s lives as
Colchester changed from an Iron Age settlement to a
propsperous Roman town.
Romans package: Story tour* + hands-on
archaeology + exploring the galleries
journey 2000 years back in time, going deep into
the Roman vaults under the Castle to hear the
story of the Roman invasion and Boudica’s revolt
work as a team to reconstruct a large model Roman
villa and Iron Age roundhouse on the ‘foundations’
uncovered by archaeologists
“The visit really brought to life all
they had learned about the Romans
in the classroom ”
Teacher, Cold Norton Primary School
handle real Roman pottery and work out what it
was used for
develop skills of an archaeologist, interpreting
evidence and communicating findings
General visit: Exploring the galleries
exciting new displays, interactive exhibits and
‘archaeologist evidence sheets’ available to help
children explore the displays through the eyes of
different characters
new Iron Age and Roman villa areas with costume,
handling objects and character cards supporting
role play activity
new Roman entertainment displays including an
interactive chariot ride!
"The activity room was superb, the children
loved it and learnt huge amounts. The
interactive elements in the museum were
outstanding in quality and educational"
Teacher, Woolpit School
“Writing about the Romans teaches
us stuff but visiting Colchester
helped me feel what it was like. It
was amazing to think that Roman
people actually used the stuff there”
Pupil, Upton Primary School
or email: [email protected]
boudica story tour touching the past roman army exploring team work
5
Toys or Homes
Key Stage 1, half or whole day visit
Our amazing Hollytrees dolls house gives children a
birds-eye view of life in the past. It allows them to compare
their lives with the Round family and their servants who
lived in Hollytrees and to ask their own questions about life
in the past. Dressing up in aprons and waistcoats, children
travel back in time to discover answers for themselves
through a variety of practical activities.
Homes: Exploring life in Hollytrees
handle mystery objects and work out who used
them
find out how things worked without electricity
help the servant sort and clean the household’s
washing and discover what hard work it was
Toys: Exploring toys and games from the past
play with a variety of old toys and games
“The children enjoyed playing with
the old toys. It has deepened
children’s understanding of both
toys in the past and how children’s
lives have changed”
Teacher, Myland Primary School
sort and compare old and new toys, investigating
their different mechanisms and materials
write on a slate and experience what it was like for
children who had lessons at home
Additional teacher-led activities and the toys gallery trail
compliment this session to provide a fantastic whole day visit.
“Has really given children an
insight into Victorian life. Lots of
my children were asking questions
and wanted to find out more”
Teacher, Long Melford Primary School
For more information or to book a group visit please call 01206 282937
6
toys clockwork playing dolls house exploring hands-on activities
Victorian Lives
Key Stage 2, half or whole day visit
Based on the 1881 census, Hollytrees dolls house provides
a unique glimpse into everyday life in Hollytrees. Children's
close examination of the census provides evidence about
people living in the house and raises questions for them to
investigate.
explore status, fashion and materials as the group
dress Mr and Mrs Round, from corset to top hat
handle mystery household objects to find clues
about the lives of the people who used them
write on a slate and experience what it may have
been like to have lessons in your own home
discover what was involved in doing the
household’s laundry and investigate the effect
of changes in technology
A whole day visit provides an opportunity for children to
explore the toys gallery to look at mechanisms and optical
toys, then make their own zoetrope and experiment with
early animation.
“They really enjoyed dressing up in
Victorian costume. It was pitched
just right, with a balance of listening
and practical activities”
Teacher, Maylandsea Primary School
“It has provided an experience
children can draw on in writing,
art, speaking, listening and other
areas of the curriculum”
Teacher, Market Field School
or email: [email protected]
asking questions investigating hopscotch experimenting optical toys
7
Handling Boxes
Key Stage 1 + Key Stage 2
Natural history and fossil handling boxes are available for
use in the museum on a self-led visit or to borrow for use
in the classroom. An explorers box with torches, magnifying
glasses and mini binoculars is also available for classes to
use in the museum to add an element of adventure and
encourage closer looking. Boxes must be booked in advance.
Ipswich at War
Key Stage 2, half day session
What was life like on the Home Front for an Ipswich family
during the war?
Careful examination of ‘lost property’ provides clues about
different family members. Through activities related to
each person, children explore their lives during the war.
“Letting the children handle and use
artefacts was excellent. Also, being
able to try on gas masks and go
inside the shelter once they had built
it – all great”
Teacher, Holbrook Primary School
follow the ARP warden’s instructions to build an
Anderson Shelter and imagine how it would have
felt sitting in one during long air raids
send messages on the Morse code machine and try
typing on old typewriters
follow a trail through the World War II gallery
exploring bomb sites and imagining what it would
have been like to be an evacuee
learn rag rugging and talk about ways to ‘Make Do
and Mend’
dress up as members of the family and share
experiences
“What a squash it is in the shelter”
Pupil, Beacon Hill School
For more information or to book a group visit please call 01206 282937
8
morse code handling fossils gas masks building air raid shelter fun
Journeys in
Ancient Egypt
Key Stage 2, whole day visit
Journey down the Nile to uncover the mysteries of Ancient
Egypt. Create a living timeline, mapping the journey of an
Ancient Egyptian object from the potter that made it to
museum visitors that handle it today.
collect clay from the Nile’s banks and make a clay
shabti for the Pharaoh
investigate the lives of Ancient Egyptians in
this highly interactive hands-on gallery
journey into the afterlife as you step deep into
the mummy's tomb
become an archaeologist, handle real Ancient
Egyptian objects and discover the stories they have
to tell
explore the Natural History gallery and
discover the animals that inspired the gods
of Ancient Egypt
“The activities were very active and
allowed the children to take part,
and for a while pretend they were
real Egyptians”
Teacher, St Pancras Catholic Primary School
At the end of the session the class will share the journeys
they have made into the life of the object and the lives of
the people who have touched it.
or email: [email protected]
experience crocodile egyptian god interactives tomb painting clay
9
Toys
Key Stage 1, half day session
Explore how toys have changed over the last 150 years
using an exciting combination of hands-on activities and
the museum’s amazing toy collection.
play with a variety of old toys and find out
how they work
see how pictures come to life in a Victorian
zoetrope
hear our very special musical Victorian book and
work out how the animal sounds are made
“We especially liked looking at
the beautiful painted rocking
horse with its white fur mane”
Pupil, Cedarwood Primary School
“It really brought the learning to life”
Teacher, Kersey Primary School
For more information or to book a group visit please call 01206 282937
10
playing zoetrope investigating clockwork train musical book mangle
Victorian Home
Key Stage 1, half day session
Children look at Christchurch Mansion to find clues about
the lives of the people who lived in this house.
With props they make a hierarchy of the household to show
how rich and poor people shared the same home. Putting
on mop caps and aprons children take on the
role of servants and help with different practical chores
around the house.
role play the washing week in the wash house
learning how to use the mangle and flat irons
make butter for Cook in the kitchen
handle real Victorian household objects
explore upstairs in the toy room and parlour
dress up in rich Victorian costume (if all the
chores are done!)
“Staff were excellent – kind, calm, and
informative. It was great to be able to
work in actual rooms”
Teacher, Clifford Road Primary School
“Did they really live like this?”
Pupil, Beacon Hill School
or email: [email protected]
handling fun wax doll dressing up ironing experience toy room
11
Upstairs,
Downstairs
Key Stage 2, whole day visit
At Christchurch Mansion the Fonnereau household is preparing
for a ball. Using the 1871 census children discover all they
can about the household, before dressing up as servants
and family and stepping into their shoes for the day.
In mop caps and aprons the servants move quietly through
the house to avoid disrupting the family as they work on
tasks for the ball.
make butter for Cook in the kitchen
sort out the laundry in the wash house and
discover how changes in technology affected
the laundry maids’ work
handle real Victorian household objects and work
out what they were used for
“They loved making the butter”
Teacher, Handford Hall Primary School
dress up as Fonnereau children in smocks and
waistcoats to explore the toy room and parlour
pose to draw silhouettes of each other
practice deportment, curtseying and bowing,
ready to greet the guests
As Mr and Mrs Fonnereau are dressed for the ball, children
share their experience of Victorian life and the extreme
differences between rich and poor.
For more information or to book a group visit please call 01206 282937
12
flat iron laundry dressing up washing dolly butter making exploring
Tudor Trades
Key Stage 2, whole day visit
Step into the Great Hall and be transported back in time to
1549. Children investigate pictures, handle objects, explore
the building and try on costumes to gather evidence about
the lives of the people who worked and lived in Tudor times.
weave wattle panels
plot an explorer’s voyage around the world on a
Tudor map and discover the goods they brought
back from other countries
examine some mysterious Tudor objects to find
clues about what they were and how they worked
dress up as Tudor gentry to find out how clothes
displayed your status
During the day children will also have an opportunity to
explore other parts of the Mansion, become Tudor portraits,
and play with Tudor toys.
“Really fun”
Pupil, St Joseph’s Primary School
“A very exciting and hands-on way of
encouraging them to think about this era.
There’s a lot to do and handle”
Teacher, St Margaret’s Primary School
or email: [email protected]
living portraits drawing tapestry wattle weaving handling objects
13
Ipswich Art School
Ilustration from the Once Upon A Time exhibition
The Ipswich Art School is an exciting contemporary art
gallery with a regulary changing programme of exhibitions.
For full details of our current exhibition and any special
programmes and resources for schools please visit our
website: www.cimuseums.org.uk/schools
Self-led visits
The gallery is free for groups to visit, though we ask that
groups book in advance.
Gallery tour
Tours of the exhibition may be arranged on request as
part of a visit. Please ring and discuss your requirements.
Art Room
An Art Room with basic equipment and materials is
available for groups to use for practical work in response
to an exhibition. Please book this space when you
arrange a visit. Small charge applies.
For some exhibitions we offer special artist-led sessions
or additional gallery resources to support student’s
experience of the exhibition. For full details see our
website: www.cimuseums.org.uk/schools or ring
01206 282937.
Make a day of it
The Ipswich Art School is next door to Ipswich Museum
and a five minute walk from Christchurch Mansion in
Christchurch Park. Why not combine your visit with a trip
to one of these exciting venues?
© Emma Graham
"It can help to see contemporary art
work at first hand and to challenge
preconceptions"
Head of Arts Faculty, Suffolk One
Exhibitions during 2014:
25 January - 4 May: ‘Once Upon A Time’ - a beautiful
exhibition of children’s book illustrations
24 May – 7 September: ‘Tidal Margins’ – mixed media
exhibition exploring the Suffolk coastline
For more information or to book a visit please call 01206 282937
14
exciting colour contemporary artists creative inspiring memorable
Booking Information
For details or current prices, to book a visit or discuss your
plans please call 01206 282937 or email:
[email protected]
For more information about the individual sites and schools
sessions visit our website: cimuseums.org.uk
Teacher’s mailing list:
To join our teacher’s mailing list and receive regular news
of preview events details of special school offers, new
sessions and exhibitions, please ring or email:
[email protected]
“I thought everything was extremely well
organised, giving us a smooth, stress-free
day. Staff were really knowledgeable and
engaged the children”
Teacher, Sebert Wood Primary School
Loan Boxes
For full details of all loan boxes available see our website:
www.cimumseums/schools
Borrow one of our loan boxes to bring objects from the past
into your classroom. Use them to inspire children’s imagination
at the start of a project, develop their thinking and enquiry
skills or support post-visit work. Boxes contain a mix of replica
and real objects, photos, documents and teacher’s notes.
Borrowing a loan box:
Length of hire: per half term
Cost: £20 plus £10 refundable deposit per half term
All loan boxes must be collected and returned to the museum
For Colchester loan boxes please call 01206 282940
For Ipswich Museum loan boxes please call 01473 433570
hands-on objects
“The trip enthused and motivated the
children. They worked hard and got a
lot out of the trip”
Teacher, The Mayflower Primary School
Boxes in Colchester include:
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Roman
Tudor
Victorian
Siege of Colchester
World War II
Seaside Holidays
Rocks and Fossils
Boxes available from Ipswich:
Fossils
Natural History
Birds
Butterflies
real experience fossils tudor investigating touch
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“Do we have to go home?”
Pupil, Gt Sampford Primary School
“I can’t wait to tell my mum
about it”
Pupil, St Giles C of E School
“This has been my best day ever”
Pupil, St Mary’s Lower School
www.cimuseums.org.uk