Educational Workshops

Below is a list of workshops we offer at Alnwick Castle. They are arranged in order of Key Stage and have been designed with the national curriculum in mind.

Storytelling: The Life of Harry Hotspur Key Stage 1

Harry Hotspur, who lived at Alnwick Castle more than 600 years ago, is one of the most famous knights who ever lived in England. Some called him a hero… others thought he was a villain. In this exciting, interactive story, students decide who was right!
 
Hear the story of Harry’s life, the famous battles he fought, and the choices he made. Did he live a good life, or a bad one? What could have happened if things had gone another way? What makes the best story?

Using participatory techniques to show the importance of storytelling, find out about an amazing character from Alnwick Castle’s past – and become part of his adventures!
 
Curriculum Links: History and English
Duration: 35 to 45 minutes
Capacity: 25
Charge: £30 per workshop
 
Risk Assessment
 
Pre and Post Learning Materials will be emailed once booking is confirmed.

Castle Defences: Storming the Barbican Key Stage 1 and 2

The Barbican was the only way into the medieval Alnwick Castle, and was full of obstacles to make sure no invading Scottish army ever broke into this English fortress. Learn about the dangers and defences of a border castle with our medieval warfare experts, take on the roles of English and Scottish soldiers, and launch your own attack on the Barbican! Will the castle defences be good enough? Who will use their new knowledge to their advantage?

The English army defend the Barbican in a fully interactive battle against the storming Scots wherethere can only be one winning side. The winners then march their defeated foes to the Alnwick Castle dungeon!

Curriculum Links: History
Duration: 35 to 45 minutes
Capacity: 30
Charge: £35 per workshop

Risk Assessment

Pre and Post Learning Materials will be emailed once booking is confirmed.

Castle Life Key Stage 1 and 2

Discover what everyday life was like for a variety of people in a medieval castle. Pupils will meet a skilled artisan, a fighting knight, and a noble ruler, and learn about their role within a castle like Alnwick. Find out about the duties, problems, and the fun you could have in the past!

Pupils can discuss and decide what kind of medieval life they would prefer, and use their questioning skills to find out more.

The session concludes with some hands-on historical craft-making, with members of the class creating and decorating their own clay tiles using medieval methods.

Curriculum Links: History, Art and Design
Duration: 35 to 45 minutes
Capacity: 30
Charge: £35 per workshop
 
 
Pre and Post Learning Materials will be emailed once booking is confirmed.

Magic & Science: The Wizard Earl of Northumberland Key Stage 2

Henry Percy, the 9th Earl of Northumberland, ruled Alnwick Castle more than 400 years ago. He was also known as 'The Wizard Earl' due to his fascination with the magic of science, and loved to conduct experiments. He was a scientist who was always seeking new discoveries,with astronomy, divination, potions and alchemy, herbology, and medicine of the past all being subjects of interest.

Inspired by books from the Alnwick Castle Library that he would have owned, pupils join the Wizard Earl's librarian to learn about - and try out - the most scientific, and most magical, experiments from his time. Complete your magical education while discovering more about some of the most important events in British history.

Curriculum Links: History
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Capacity: 25
Charge: £35 per workshop

Risk Assessment

Pre and Post Learning Materials will be emailed once booking is comfirmed.

Castle Defences: Fantasy Fortress Key Stage 3

When constructing a castle like Alnwick, there were many aspects to consider, from essential defences to resources for daily life. With our medieval experts, pupils will learn about the features that made up Alnwick Castle in the Middle Ages, before being given the opportunity to construct their own version of a medieval border fortress.

Using documentary evidence from the time, groups are given a budget to build the best possible castle. What will you prioritise: knights, horses, and expensive decorations? Or strong walls, cannon and defensive traps?

Spend your money wisely, stick to your budget, and create your own Fantasy Fortress!

Curriculum Links: History and Maths
Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Capacity: 25
Charge: £35 per workshop

Risk Assessment

Pre and Post Learning Materials will be emailed once booking is confirmed.