Virtual Workshop: The Victorians

Welcome to the offices of London’s leading newspaper. Sad news arrived last night. Queen Victoria died at the age of 81. Our two newspaper reporters, Mr Pie and Mr Iron, have just one day to write 1,000 words — plus photographs — summarising Victoria’s life and influence. But what should they include? Can the children help them narrow down their focus?

The topics covered during the workshop include:

  • Queen Victoria’s life and death
  • The size and scope of the British Empire
  • Military conflicts during Victoria’s lifetime
  • The advancement of free education during the Victorian Era
  • Technological advancements of the 1800s
  • The plight of the poor during the Victorian era
  • Different jobs available in the 1800s

 

How Does the Workshop Work?

The new workshops consist of two key elements:

  • Individual activities kits for each child in your group .
  • A pre-recorded video made by our knowledgeable teachers.

The workshops can take place in your own room at your own pace – we give you access to the video for several days, so you can rewind, replay, or break up the activities as you see fit.

Most schools find that the workshops fill half a day, although you can spread them out as you see fit.

 

What Activities are Included?

The items include a dip pen, a postcard of Victoria, a deck of Happy Families playing cards, a map of the British Empire, a small foil Victoria Cross and a decorated paper plate.
Objects the children make during a virtual Victorian workshop.

As mentioned, each child will receive an activities kit to match the video. There are a few basic supplies such as PVA glue, scissors, and pencils that the school will need to provide, but otherwise the children will receive the necessary materials to make seven projects:

  • Colouring a map of the British Empire
  • Making a Victoria Cross
  • Making a dip pen
  • Writing on a carte de visite
  • Decorating a commemorative paper plate
  • Making a matchbox
  • Making a Happy Families game

In addition, one activity using Sunograph paper is provided for the teacher to demonstrate to the class.

The workshop will also come with an information booklet for teachers, which will detail the learning outcomes, extra supplies that might be needed and possible follow-up learning.

 

How Much Does a Virtual Workshop Cost?

Please visit our pricing page for the latest costings.

 

How Do I Book a Workshop?

Please feel free to contact us by form, e-mail or telephone. Let us know the week you would like to use the workshop, and whether you would like the optional live teaching time, and we are happy to help.

Since the virtual workshops do not depend on our diary, you may order them at anytime. (But do allow enough time for delivery!)

 

Do You Offer an In-School Version of the Workshop?

Yes! In fact, we offer two! Our Key Stage 1 workshop explores “Life in the Big House” at a time when “upstairs” and “downstairs” were two different worlds, while our Key State 2 workshop allows children to experience learning in a Victorian classroom before celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. You can learn more about each workshop on Victorian Key Stage 1 and Victorian Key Stage 2 pages.

Please be aware, however, that we operate in a limited travel area, and mileage (and possibly B&B charges) will apply. If your school is far from our offices, and/or your group is very small, a virtual workshop may be a better fit for you.

Feel free to contact us with questions and we are happy to look at options with you.