Kent Life

Workshops & Demonstrations

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• New for 2013!

  Homes in the Past

  Travel back into the past and visit our historic houses to discover the differences between homes past and present. This one hour workshop will include tours of our period homes, including Victorian, WWII and 1950's in the company of a historical character. Ideal for KS1 children, this workshop gives pupils the chance to explore these fantastic period homes and compare them with their own. Maximum 30 children per group. 

  National Curriculum links:

  • KS1 - English 1, 2 a-e, 9b, 11c
  • KS1 - History 1, 2, 3, 4, 6b, 6d
  • KS1 Geography 1a

  • KS2 - En1 2b, 9a
  • KS2 - History  1a, 2a, 2c, 3, 4a, 8, 11b
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

  Guided Tour
  

  A fantastic introduction to Kent Life. Especially designed for school pupils, you will be taken around the site by one of our costumed characters. Explore our historic houses and discover "How we used to live". Learn more about artefacts from the Victorian, WWII and 1950 eras and find out fascinating facts about Hopping in Kent. Also included in your tour is an interactive walk around our fruit and herb gardens. This tour is highly interactive with games and activities to get all your pupils involved with active learning. This experience lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with a maximum of 15 children per group. Cost £1.50 per child.

  National Curriculum links:

  • KS1 - En1 2 a-e, 9b, 11c
  • KS1 - History 1, 2, 3, 4, 6b, 6c, 6d
  • KS2 - En1 2b, 9a
  • KS2 - History  1a, 2, 3, 4a, 8, 11a
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

  Rag Rug Making

  Children will learn about the reasons to make rugs from rags in Victorian and/or WWII times using various techniques. They will also learn about the present day resurgence due to awareness of the need to recycle. Children will draw a simple design onto hessian, choose rags and create a small "rug" to take home. This workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  National Curriculum links:

  • KS1 - English 1, 2a, 2b, 2e, 9b, 
  • KS1 - Science Sc3 1c, 1d, 2a, 2b
  • KS1 - Art and Design 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 5

  
  

  Charles Dickens
  

  Due to the phenomenal success of Charles Dickens at our Victorian theme day at Kent Life, the great man himself is now available throughout the year to regale your pupils with stories of his life and work. There will also be the opportunity to find out about the origins of Nicholas Nickleby or A Christmas Carol (throughout November and December) as well as a Q & A session. This workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  National Curriculum links:

  • KS1 - En1 2 a-e, 9b, 11c, En2 6b
  • KS1 - History 3, 4, 6b, 6c
  • KS2 - En1 2b, 9a, En2 8b
  • KS2 - History  1a, 3, 4a, 8a, 11a

  For costs and further information for any of these workshops please contact cgeddes@kentlife.org.uk or rhogan@kentlife.org.uk

• Food and Farming

  Meet the Animals

  This activity takes place in Kent Life's Farmyard. Children are introduced to a number of the animals and hands on experiences are encouraged. Workshops last approximately 45 minutes and cost £1.50 per child, 10-20 children per group.

  The Kitchen Garden

  

  This activity takes place in Kent Life's Kitchen Garden. Children are shown a variety of different seasonal fruit and vegetables, given an explanation of how they are grown and have an opportunity to explore the herb garden.
  Workshops last approximately 45 minutes and cost £1.50 per child, 10-15 children per group.

  Meet the Beekeeper

  This demonstration allows the children to learn about bees, the construction of their hives and the process of making honey. An observation hive allows the children to see the bees up close in safety.
  Demonstrations last approximately 45 minutes and cost £2.00 per child, 20-30 children per group.
  
  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - Science 2 1b, 1c
  • KS1 - History 1a, 4a
  • KS1 - English 9b, English 1 2 a-e
  • KS2 - Science2 1a, 1b
  • KS2 - History 4a
  • KS2 - English 9a

  From Grain to Bread Roll

  In this workshop children will learn about cereals, how they grow, the history of the Granary, how bread is made and then they will make and bake a bread roll to take home.  Workshops last approximately 45 minutes and cost £2.00 per child, maximum of 30 children.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - Science 1 2f, Science 2 5a
  • KS1 - History 2b, 6b
  • KS1 - English 9b, English 1 2a-e
  • KS2 - Science3 2b, Science 2, 4a
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2d
  • KS2 -  English 9a

• Tudor workshops

  Barber Surgeon

  Meet the doctors of the Tudor era. Discover how herbs, leeches and frogs were used to 'cure' the sick. How did a Barber Surgeon remove a musket ball, a lump or even a leg? A fascinating look at medieval medicine.  These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group. For prices and more information contact the Education Officers on 01622 621246 / 01622 621244 or email us at cgeddes@kentlife.org.uk or rhogan@kentlife.org.uk

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - History 2ab, 3, 6abc
  • KS2 - History 2a, 3

  Food & Drink

  Experience the tastes and smells of Tudor times. What did the Tudors drink instead of water? Experience the excitement as Britons try new vegetables and spices for the first time. Who said the potato was humble? These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - History 2ab, 3, 4ab 6b
  • KS2 - History 2ad, 3, 4ab

  
  

  Crime & Punishment

  Tudor justice. Was everyone treated the same? What exactly are stocks? What did they use balls and chains for? Find out the answers to these and much more in this interactive and exciting workshop. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - History 2ab, 3, 6b
  • KS2 - History 2acd, 10

  Clothes

  Find out about the laws (yes, laws!) regarding dressing yourself in Tudor times. How did they wash their clothes? Make up was very popular back then, but not how we  know it...These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - History 2ab, 3, 4ab, 6ab
  • KS2 - History 2ad, 3, 4ab, 10

• Victorian workshops

  Victorian Food

  Experience wealthy and poor dining. Look at the types of food available and where it came from. Children can look at different artefacts used in the Victorian kitchen. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group. 

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - English 1 2a-e, 11c
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4, 6b
  • KS2 - English 1 2b, 11c
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2b, 3, 4a, 8

  
  

  Victorian Toymaker

  Experience life as a Victorian child and discover the differences between the rich and poor.  See some of the toys Victorian children entertained themselves with. Explore the differences between modern day and Victorian toys. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

  National Curriculum Links

  • KS1 - English 2 1a-e, 11c,
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4, 6b

  • KS2 - English 1 2b, 11c
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2b, 3, 4a, 8
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

  Victorian Costumes

  These costumes are available for hire during a visit. Children are encouraged to wear the costumes for part or all of their visit. Victorian costume hire costs £1 per child, up to a maximum of 30 children.

   

  Victorian Scullery workshop

  Children are taken through the process of washing, rinsing, drying and pressing clothes Victorian style, using historic artefacts. Children will have the opportunity to try some washing themselves. These interactive workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - English 2 a-e, 4a
  • KS1 - History 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 6b
  • KS2 - English 11 c
  • KS2 - History 1a, 2a, 3, 4a, 8, 11a

  
  

  Victorian Dairy workshop

  Children meet the dairy maid who takes them through the process of butter making from milking of the cow to patting the butter into shape. They have the opportunity to try out butter patting and churning. These interactive workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - English 1 2 a-e. 11c.
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4, 6b
  • KS1 - Science 3 2
  • KS2 - English 1 2b 11c
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2b, 3, 4a, 8
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

  
  

  Victorian Schoolroom workshop

  Children are armed with slates and chalk and given a lesson Victorian style in our Victorian schoolroom. They will find out about the old methods of teaching and discipline! These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  For prices and more information contact the Education Officers on 01622 621246 / 01622 621244 or email us at cgeddes@kentlife.org.uk or rhogan@kentlife.org.uk

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - English 1 2a-e, 4a
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 6a, 6b
  • KS2 - English 11c
  • KS2 - History 1a, 2a, 2c, 4a, 8, 11a
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

  
  

  How we kept ourselves, our houses and clothes clean in Victorian Times

  Children will be taken through the process of soap making, learn about hygiene in Victorian times and will make up their own wash balls to take home. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - English 1 2a-e, 11c
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4, 6b
  • KS1 - Science 3 1d, 2a, 2b
  • KS2 - English 1 2b
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2b, 3, 4a, 8, 11a
  • KS2 - Science 1e, 2a, 2d
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

  Meet Charles Dickens

  Celebrate the bicentennial of Charles Dickens with the great author himself! Listen as he regales your pupils about his life and works in Victorian times. Discover his connections to Kent and listen to him reading an excerpt from his first book "The Pickwick Papers". This workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - English 1 2a-e, 11c
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4, 6b
  • KS1 - Science 3 1d, 2a, 2b
  • KS2 - English 1 2b
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2b, 3, 4a, 8, 11a
  • KS2 - Science 1e, 2a, 2d
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

• WWII

  WWII Food

  Children will meet a 1940s housewife and learn about rationing and why it was done and what food was rationed.  They will learn about the recipes of the time and even get to try the jam and carrot jelly. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  For prices and more information contact the Education Officers on 01622 621246 / 01622 621244 or email us at cgeddes@kentlife.org.uk or rhogan@kentlife.org.uk

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - English 1 2a-e, 11c
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4a, 6b

  • KS2 - English 1 2b
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2b, 3, 4a, 8, 11b

  
  

  WWII Evacuee Experience

  In this hands-on, interactive session children will experience what it was like for city children to be evacuated to the countryside. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

  National Curriculum Links:

  • KS1 - En1 2 a-e, 11c, 4a
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4, 6b, 6d

  • KS2 - En1 2b
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2b, 2c, 3, 4a, 8, 11b
  • KS2 - PSHE 4b

  
  

  WWII Air Raid Warden

  Does your class know what to do when the Air Raid siren goes off? In this hands-on, interactive session children will find out what it was like to live through an air raid. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

  National Curriculum Links

  • KS1 - En1 2 a-e, 11c
  • KS1 - History 2, 3, 4a, 6b, 6d

  • KS2 - En1 2b
  • KS2 - History 2a, 2c, 3, 4a, 8, 11b

  
  

  WWII Land Army Girl

  A Land Army girl will give your class a taste of Land Army Girl life in a hands-on, interactive workshop. These workshops last approximately 45 minutes, with a maximum of 30 children per group.

  Contact the Education Officers for prices.

   

• Art and Craft

  

  Brass Rubbing

  Children will learn about the history of brasses and brass rubbing and make a brass rubbing to take home. Workshops last approximately one hour and cost £2.50 per child, 20-30 children per group.

   

   

  Pottery

  Kent Life is proud to once again be able to offer pottery workshops for both key stage 1 and key stage 2 children.

  Key Stage 1

  Enter the magical world of the mini-beast and discover what the world would look like if you were only 2 centimetres tall! Then, let your imagination run wild as you create your very own mini-beast from clay.

  The mini-beasts may be painted either at home or at school at a later date.

  National Curriculum links:

  • KS1 - English 1, 2a, 2b, 2e, 9b, 
  • KS1 - Science Sc3 1c, 1d, 2a, 2b
  • KS1 - Art and Design 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 5

  Key Stage 2

  What is clay? Where does it come from? Discover the science behind the amazing transformation that turns 'mud' into stone. Then make your very own coil pot, using the same methods as the Romans!

  These pots may be painted at a later date at school.

  Pottery workshops are available from weekdays for a minimum of 25 pupils. Cost: £2.50 per child.