Venue: Southchurch Hall

National Curriculum: KS1 History

Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Cost: £1.80 per child. Teachers and helpers free.

Numbers: Maximum 40 children.

This session is a perfect introduction to history and is set in one of the oldest buildings in the borough amid beautiful gardens. Emphasis is on then and now, old and new. Children are encouraged to explore the differences between their own experiences and life in the ‘old manor house’.

This is an atmospheric, ‘hands on’ session that includes the use of a great variety of materials, (such as horn, wood, beeswax and so on) and costume.

Venue: Southchurch Hall

National Curriculum: KS2 History - Tudor Life

Time Required: Up to 1 hour 30 mins depending on numbers.

Cost: £1.80 per child. Teachers and helpers free.

Numbers Accomodated: Maximum 40 children.

Much use is made of the atmospheric setting of the ancient building itself as well as candles, costume and music. ‘Hands on’ and observational skills are encouraged.

Objects are examined with regard to their function and the materials used. Some children may have the opportunity to try suitable period clothing.

Tudor Times

Venue: Southchurch Hall

National Curriculum: KS2 History - Tudor Life

Time Required: 2 hours minimum.

Cost: £2.50 per child. Teachers and helpers free.

Numbers Accomodated: Maximum 40 children.

The preferred option for many teachers, this popular session allows for a comprehensive examination of many aspects of Tudor life. Themes such as rich and poor, cooking implements, and heat and light can be explored more fully.

This talk structure is extremely flexible and may be adapted on request to include more on clothes or food. Children may like to arrive dressed up.

Discovering the Romans

Venue: Central Museum

A chance for children to deepen their understanding of the Romans, and explore everyday Roman life and beliefs.

National Curriculum: KS2 - History (The Romans)

Time Required: Up to 60 children 2 hrs.

Cost: £2.50 per child. Teachers & helpers free.

There are three activities which can be associated with this visit:

Slide Show/Handling Session. Our guide-lecturer will lead a session allowing children to handle genuine Roman artefacts and deduce their use. There may also be a short slide show.

Planetarium Show: This allows us to explore the Roman beliefs through mythological legends, which are depicted in the constellations of the night sky. A particular focus is placed upon those star patterns visible at the date of the visit.

Museum Displays: Using worksheets to provide direction children can discover aspects of Roman life through our displays, which include Roman pottery and coins.

The Victorian Experience

Venue: Central Museum

An introduction to Victorian life using the resources of the Museum displays, Planetarium, and our reserve collection of artefacts.

National Curriculum: KS2 - History (The Victorians)

Time Required: Up to 36 Children 2-3 hrs.

Cost: £2.50 per child. Adults & helpers free.

There are four main activity areas during the visit:

Handling Session. Our guide-lecturer will lead a session allowing children to handle genuine Victorian artefacts and deduce their use. There may also be a short slide show.

Planetarium Show: This allows us to explore the fascination with, and developments in, Victorian science, from photography to bacteriology to alien life using the stars as a link and backdrop.

Discovery Centre, Museum Displays & Room Settings: Using worksheets to provide structure children can discover aspects of Victorian life, including our two room settings - the Victorian Parlour and Naturalists Study.

Venue: Southchurch Hall

National Curriculum: KS2 History – The Victorians

Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Cost: £2.50 per child. Teachers and helpers free.

Numbers Accomodated: Maximum 30 children.

Children learn of the ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’ of a building actually used by Victorians. Considerable use is made of handling a great variety of Victorian artefacts – and all in their original setting!

Objects range from a massive Victorian clothes mangle to photographic albums of local families. A must for children studying the Victorians - this is a session that brings the past to life!

The Night Sky

Venue: Southend Planetarium

Our introductory astronomy show which gives an overview of the planets and constellations visible in the night sky, together with an introduction to the mythology of the skies.

National Curriculum: KS2 - Science (Earth in Space)

Time Required: Up to 20 children 1 hr.
Up to 40 children 1.5 hrs.
Up to 60 children 2hrs

Cost: £1.80 per child. Teachers & helpers free.

The programme covers the following topics:

The Solar System: Explored through space probe images, we also explore where and when any planets that are currently visible to the naked eye can be seen.

The Stars: What the stars are, and their distance from us.

The Constellations: Which patterns are currently visible, where they came from, some myths and legends.

Optional Elements: These include the Phases of the Moon or the Seasons, which can be included on request.

Notes: There is a teacher's pack available with background information.