History

First World War - Life above the Trenches

Year group - Year 1 to Year 6

This workshop focuses on an aspect of British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge - the First World War and life of a pilot. Looking at the role of First World War aircraft, and their pilots, pupils will use a range of sources and museum artefacts, including uniform, to develop their depth of knowledge and inspire curiosity. This understanding of life as a pilot will help pupils appreciate the risks faced with early flight and the changing nature of warfare.

Handling original artefacts
Option to try on replica flying clothing
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience - students work in the War in the Air hangar
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS1 - significant historical events, changes within living memory.
KS2 - a local history study

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: £60

Class size : Up to 20 learners per session

Second World War - Artefact Handling

Year group - Year 1 to Year 12

Pupils will use a range of sources and museum artefacts, including original RAF uniform, to develop their depth of knowledge and inspire curiosity. Each student will be allocated an original or replica artefact to explore and interpret. This hands-on experience of artefacts from the Home Front and the RAF will help pupils understand some of the complexities of life in Britain during the Second World War.

Handling original artefacts
Option to try on original RAF uniform
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience - students will experience a mock air raid
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS1 - significant historical events, changes within living memory.
KS2 - an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Cost: £30

Class size : Up to 38 learners per session

Second World War - Hands On Discovery Cases

Year group - Year 1 to Year 7

This workshop uses a range of unique and unusual items relating to the Museum’s Second World War Aircraft collection. Working in groups, learners unravel and creatively interpret the stories of the aircraft, and share their findings with the class, creating pieces of work which can be extended back at school. The workshop takes place in the inspirational atmosphere of the War in the Air Hangar. The Discovery Cases help develop historical source skills, interpretation, and creative skills.

Handling original artefacts
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience - students work in the War in the Air hangar
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS1 - significant historical events, changes within living memory.
KS2 - an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 1 hour per workshop
Cost: £60

Class size : Up to 30 learners per session

Please note: this session is under redevelopment. We will be taking no further bookings for this session at this time.

Second World War - Battle of Britain

Year group - Year 1 to Year 12

This workshop focuses on an aspect of British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge - the Battle of Britain. Learners discover the role of the fighter pilot, learn about the Dowding System & RADAR, and uncover aspects of civilian life in 1940. Pupils will use a range of sources and museum artefacts, including original RAF uniform, to develop their depth of knowledge and inspire curiosity. This workshop will help students to understand the importance of the Battle of Britain as a key turning point in history.

Handling original artefacts
Option to try on original RAF uniform
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience - students will experience a mock air raid
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS1 - significant historical events, changes within living memory.
KS2 - an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: £60

Class size : Up to 38 learners per session

Please be aware that it is not recommended to book the Battle of Britain and Spirit of the Blitz workshops on the same day due to repetition.

Please be aware that there are several similarities between the Battle of Britain and Spirit of the Blitz workshops so we would not recommend booking both sessions for the same group / visit.

Second World War - Spirit of the Blitz

Year group - Year 1 to Year 12

This workshop focuses on an aspect of British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge - the Blitz and life on the Home Front. Learners gain an understanding of life for children during the Second World War by discovering the role of the ARP warden, experiencing an mock air raid, and much more. Pupils will use a range of sources and museum artefacts, including original RAF uniform, to develop their depth of knowledge and inspire curiosity. This first-hand experience of life led in the shadow of the Blitz will help pupils understand some of the complexities of life in Britain during this time.

Handling original artefacts
Option to try on original RAF uniform
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience - students will experience a mock air raid
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS1 - significant historical events, changes within living memory.
KS2 - an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: £60

Class size : Up to 38 learners per session

Please be aware that it is not recommended to book the Battle of Britain and Spirit of the Blitz workshops on the same day due to repetition.

Second World War - Wartime Memories

Year group - Year 2 to Year 12

Option 1: A session delivered by our own volunteers who will talk about their experience of the Second World War. Subject to limited availability.

Option 2: A media session, using film footage of our volunteers talking about their experience of the Second World War. Coming soon.

Student enquiry. Opportunity to ask questions to a primary source.

National Curriculum links:

KS1 - significant historical events, changes within living memory
KS2 - an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by Museum staff
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: £1 per learner

Cold War: Artefact Handling

Year group - Year 7 to Year 12

Pupils will use a range of original RAF uniform and flying equipment to develop their knowledge of changing technology in aerial warfare, from First World War through to current day. This interactive workshop allows students to handle and try on the range of equipment available, gaining an understanding of the impact of war on technological development.

Handling original artefacts
Option to try on original RAF uniform
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Cost: £30

Class size : Up to 30 learners per session

Cold War: Protect and Survive

Year group - Year 7 to Year 12

This workshop is a practical lesson based on the government leaflet, Protect and Survive, which was sent out to all households in the UK in response to the perceived threat of nuclear attacks during the Cold War.

Learners will look at the government recommended precautions and also try on some of the equipment issued to the RAF. Wearing a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) suit, they will be asked to complete a mini task which will help them understand the difficulties of working whilst dressed in this protective clothing. Students will understand the impact of nuclear weapons and have the opportunity to discuss long term effects. This workshop will provide an overarching understanding of living under the threat of nuclear war.

Handling original artefacts
Option to try on original RAF uniform
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience
Practical, team work activities
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Cost: £60

Class size : Up to 20 learners per session

Cold War: Wartime Memories

Year group - Year 7 to Year 12

Option 1: A session delivered by our own volunteers who will talk about their experience of the Cold War. Subject to limited availability.

Option 2: A media session, using film footage of our volunteers talking about their experience of the Cold War. Coming soon.

Student enquiry. Opportunity to ask questions to a primary source.

National Curriculum links:

KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: £1 per learner

Flying Equipment Through the Ages: Artefact Handling

Year group - Year 3 to Year 12

Handling original artefacts
Option to try on original RAF uniform
Student enquiry
Multi-sensory experience
Telling the story of the RAF

National Curriculum links:

KS1 - significant historical events, changes within living memory.
KS2 - an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
KS3 - challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.

Activity type: Led by museum staff
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Cost: £30

Class size : Up to 30 learners per session