We have a selection of learning offers suitable for primary-aged children and for smaller groups such as home-educated children. Each of the programmes can be adapted for those with neurodivergent intelligences, with a flexible timetable, calm, quiet surroundings and information such as visual timetables provided in advance.
For KS1 and 2, we have ‘Hugh Bourne’s Travelling Chest’. Hugh Bourne was one of the founders of Primitive Methodism and travelled far and wide by foot, train and boat. The workshop uses handling objects, role-play, poetry, exploration and craft to delve into transport in Victorian times and today with particular emphasis on railways. A full day from 10am until 2pm that can accommodate up to 60 pupils.
‘Sister Smith’s Sunday School’ is suitable for KS2 as a full day workshop (10am-2pm) and is an exploration of Victorian childhood of working class children: the provision of a Primitive Methodist Sunday School begun by Sarah Smith; child labour; leisure; childhood mortality; and Primitive Methodist activists who campaigned for children’s rights. Pupils take part in a costumed Sunday school lesson, play with Victorian toys, create stone rubbings of gravestone engraving and follow a museum trail. Child mortality in Victorian times is one of the subjects covered.
A shorter workshop is available for KS1 from 10 to 11.45am, that includes a Sunday school lesson, a museum trail, play with Victorian toys and a hands-on look at the work children did.
Both KS1 and 2 programmes can accommodate up to 40 pupils.
‘Hot off the Press!’ for KS1 and 2 is a full day (10am to 2pm) of interactive exploration of the history of printing – from its origins in China, its spread through Europe and an opportunity to print with our own Georgian printing press. The day includes an interactive Greek myth, mystery objects, badge and print block making, and forms of printing to try.
This programme is suitable for small groups or one class.
All staff and some of our volunteers have undergone autism awareness training and all are DBS checked.
Please contact our Learning Officer, Elizabeth Morris at learning@engleseabrook.org.uk for pricing information and to make a booking.
The museum re-opens to the public on Saturday, 1st April, 2023. In the open season we recommend school groups visit on a Wednesday, if possible. In our closed season, groups can visit Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after February half term (during January it can be perishing here!).
We are happy for you to make a preliminary visit to help plan your school trip – please get in touch with Elizabeth to arrange.
Please take a look at our Accessibility page where we have a walk-through guide of the site.
Elizabeth is very happy to come to your school to present an assembly or work in class to present the story of Primitive Methodism, Victorian childhood, the role of women in the movement…plus many other topics. Our stories and artefacts encompass many areas of the curriculum including history/ local history, RE, STEM, black history, art and textiles – again, just drop her a line to discuss your requirements. Visits to schools are free of charge, but we do ask that you cover the cost of travel.