Educational Activities
For a little extra cost, you can enrich and enhance your school’s visit to Beamish by booking an educational activity. All activities last approximately one hour. For more information and to book a session contact the Beamish Education Team, education@beamish.org.uk or telephone 0191 370 4011
Model Engineers
As a boy George Stephenson made model engines from clay. He grew up to become the father of the railways. Come to the Waggonway at Beamish and be inspired to build your own clay engine in the setting George would have experienced.
Building on the History Curriculum, a famous person from history – accompanying CD is available.
KS 1 – £40 per half class
We ARE Amused !
Explore the world of Victorian entertainment.
For KS 1 – Play with a range of Victorian Toys.
For KS 2 – Make a thaumatrope and zoetrope or make a shadow puppet play using the ‘Lambton Worm’ as inspiration.
“To the past - and beyond”
KS 1, 2 - £50 per class
Victorian Lesson
Don’t blot your copybook
The very best way to learn what school was like for Victorian children. Step back in time to a Board School to use dip pens, ink, blotting paper or slates during an authentic recreation of education long ago.
“Always start with a clean slate”
KS 1, 2 – £45 per class
Pit Cottage
Cobbles to coal dust
Hands-on experience of how hard life was 100 years ago, in a real miner’s cottage.
“Poss those clothes, sweep that floor, everyone lends a hand in here !”
KS 1, 2 – £35 per half class
Pockerley Old Hall
To the manor born
Make candles, use quills, prepare biscuits and much more ! Beautiful Pockerley Old Hall provides children with the opportunity to experience the lives of 1820s scullery boys and girls.
“Don’t burn your candle at both ends”
KS 1, 2 – £60 per class (Winter only)
Victorian Crafts
Settle down in the warm and cosy Home Farm kitchen and get to grips with a range of traditional Victorian crafts with a seasonal flavour. And the best bit of it all – taking something you’ve made away with you.
“There’s no place like home”
KS 1, 2 – £60 per class (Winter only)
Evacuees
Have your class evacuated to Home Farm
Preparing for war at Beamish will provide a unique opportunity to explore the changing feelings and experiences of children who were taken from their homes and families to safety in the countryside as the spectre of war loomed....
"Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag !"
KS 2 – £60 per class
Murder Mystery
There's a dead body in The Railway Station! Use your detective skills to find the clues. Quiz the townpeople, they will be able to tell you who, what, when, where and how. A great way to develop thinking skills, a fun way to find out about town life.
"It's elementary, my dear Watson."
KS 2, 3 - £50 per class
The Potter Problem
Run your own enquiry !
There's been an accident in the mine. What's happened and who's responsible ? This activity will develop students' enquiry, communication and negotiation skills by giving them a real problem to solve. Interview witnesses but be wary of their answers.... they all see the same thing in a different way.
"Morality influences men's lives and gives bias to all their actions."
KS 2, 3 - £50 per class
Suffragettes on the High Street!
Children take on the roles of the different groups in the big issue of the time, and debate pro or anti 'should women have the vote?' Did WIFE stand for washing, ironing, feeding and everything else?
"A woman's place is in the home."
KS 3, 4 - £50 per class (Summer only)
Mind our Business!
Inside information for students about this award-winning tourist attraction and multi-million pound business. Find out how we make it work!
"Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves."
Up to 50 students
KS 4, 5 - £50 per session
New for 2010 - Traditions of Christmas
For further information on this activity please email the Education Team. Schools can also book to see Father Christmas in his fireside Grotto on weekdays, an extra charge will apply.