Topic modules
I have divided areas into stand alone study topics which could be used in several ways to support the curriculum and have particular relevance for Key Stage 2 students:
Individual modules might be chosen in conjunction with ongoing class work with a single subject expanded to become the major focus for the day. Alternatively, several related areas could be explored together. For example: Food, festivals and religion modules could be considered to provide a theme for Christmas, Diwali, Eid, Hannucah or other celebration times; pilgrimage, map making and travel might be combined to support a local history project.
However, you may simply wish to give students a broad taster day to enhance understanding and enjoyment of the late mediaeval and early modern Tudor period. These options can be discussed in greater detail to tailor a visit to the particular needs of your own students and school and the curriculum.
A separate Schools CDRoM is available to expand on the following:
Costume & Custom
My own mode of dress provides a starting point for looking at historical convention and style; differences and similarities; practicality and environment -and I always bring a basket of extras to try on for taking group pictures!
Feast & Festivals
Some festivals have survived into the present in one form or another though others now seem very strange to us. Hopefully my visit will be near to – or even on – an interesting day to discuss.
Food & Seasons
An opportunity to explore the origins of foodstuffs and crops and to look at their availability, processing and storage across the seasons and social scale.
Games & Pastimes
The dangers of ‘foote ball’ are considered and students try out or make their own games of strategy to play (even gambling teaches probabilities…)
Reading, Writing & Counting
A dip into counting boards and calculating methods and learning to read; a look also at the revolution of typeset printing versus manuscript books.
Religion & Pilgrimage
The lost world of pre Reformation pilgrimage, saints, shrines, relics and miracles with an opportunity to explore diversity and all faiths.
Travel & Simple Maps
A brief exploration of the earlier voyages of discovery – and a chance to see just how difficult it can be to draw a useful map based on students’ own local knowledge!