History Workshops

Learn about the history of Sunderland in these learning sessions. Sessions can be adapted to suit a local study topic.

For more information, please fill the Learning Enquiry Form or contact the Public Engagement & Learning Team on 0191 561 8608. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 3 working days.

  • Anglo-Saxon Bede Bags

    Key Stages: KS1, KS2

    Subject: History, Local Study

    In this introductory workshop the class will be introduced to Bede, the renowned Anglo Saxon historian and find out about life in St Peter’s Monastery through investigating our special ‘Bede Bags’. The bags explore the themes of life, books and writing, buildings and archaeology in our Secrets of the Past gallery. This session is 45 minutes long.

    Charges: £50 for a class of up to 35 pupils. Half price for groups of 15 or less.

    Other Information: Can be adapted for SEND pupils.

  • Coal, Glass and Ships

    Key Stages: KS1 & 2

    Subject: Local history

    Investigate Sunderland’s industrial heritage from the 19th to the early 20th Centuries in this interactive workshop. Pupils will explore photographs, artefacts and archive material.  This workshop can be adapted to focus more on certain local areas, or a particular industry.

    Charges: £50 for 60 minutes, £75 for an extended session of 90 minutes. Charges are for a class of up to 35 pupils. Half price for groups of 15 or less.

    Other Information: Can be adapted for SEND pupils.

  • Victoria Hall Disaster: Historical Enquiry Skills

    Key Stages: KS2

    Subject: Local history

    Your class will investigate different historical evidence sources from the time of the Victoria Hall Disaster and compare their richness, reliability and relevance. Pupils will piece together the story of this important and often misunderstood disaster. This session is 90 minutes long.

    Charges: £75 for a class of up to 35 pupils. Half price for groups of 15 or less.

  • Toys: Past and Present

    Key Stages: EYFS, KS1

    Subject: History

    Come and delve into our toy treasure chest to take part in this hands-on workshop. The class will investigate the similarities and differences between old and new toys and go on a toy trail through the museum.

    Charges: £50 for a class of up to 35 pupils. Half price for groups of 15 or less.

    Other Information: Can be adapted for SEND pupils.

  • River Wear Story – a Local Study

    Key Stages: KS2

    Subject: History, Local Study

    Explore how the River Wear has impacted on people’s lives over the past 300 years from the ship building and coal mining industries to nature, sport and leisure. Pupils will handle artefacts and examine archive evidence to uncover the key facts. This session can be adapted to include local history from across the River Wear catchment to suit your pupils’ needs.

    Charges: £75 per class of up to 35 pupils. Half price for groups of 15 or less.

  • Beside the Seaside: Seaside holidays in the past

    Key Stages: KS1, KS2

    Subject: History, Local Study

    Learn how seaside holidays began. Find out what holidaymakers did, what they wore and what they ate on their holiday. Find out how Seaburn and Roker became popular holiday destinations. Examine objects and photographs from the handling collection and write your own postcard.

    Charges: £75 per class of up to 35 pupils. Half price for groups of 15 or less.

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