Education 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. NEW! Click here to see the new activities for 2012. For more information and to book a session contact the Beamish Education Team:
telephone 0191 3704026
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 - admission fee not included.
We ARE Amused!
Explore the world of Victorian entertainment.
Master the cup and ball and flip a Jacob's ladder as you play with a range of Victorian toys. Explore the world of optical toys by making a thaumatrope to take home or spinning the zoetrope to bring the pictures to life.
KS 1, 2 - £50 per class - admission fee not included.
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 - admission fee not included.
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 - admission fee not included.
Pockerley Old Hall: To the manor born
Make candles and corn dollies, 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) - admission fee not included.
The Tudors
Travel back to 1569 when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne. All is calm at Pockerley Old Hall, where you will meet the Hedworth family who need help to prepare for a celebration. Peace is shattered however as rumours of rebellion spread across the countryside. Will the Rising of the North leave the house in turmoil?
KS 1, 2 – £60 per class (Winter only, limited availability) - admission fee not included.
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 - admission fee not included.
Murder Mystery
There's a dead body in The Railway Station! Use your detective skills to find the clues. Quiz the Townspeople, they will be able to tell you who, what, when, where and how. A great way to develop thinking skills, and a fun way to find out about town life.
"It's elementary, my dear Watson."
KS 2, 3 - £50 per class - admission fee not included.
The Potter Problem: Run your own enquiry!
There's been an accident in the mine. What has happened and who is 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 3, 4 - £50 per class - admission fee not included.
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) - admission fee not included.
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! Up to 50 students.
"Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves."
KS 4, 5 - £50 per session - admission fee not included.
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.