School Workshops
Themed Big History Workshops
A themed Big History Day provides you with the perfect platform to generate a real “history buzz” across the whole school, with every class exploring, in age-appropriate ways, different aspects of a single, unifying theme. Able to accommodate the whole of up to a two-form entry school in just a single day!
Introduction
A Big History Day comprises …
– An interactive assembly, investigating what history “is” and why it’s important- and introducing the overall theme …
– Workshops (one per year group) using drama-based activities to support the children in looking at a particular feature of the theme – and how it fits into the jigsaw. There are no costumes, props or artefacts (although you and the pupils are welcome to dress up, of course) – but creativity, imagination and lots of content!
You can choose from the following themed Big History Days:
London History Day: specially developed to support children’s understanding of the important part London has played, continues to play and will always play in history.
80 Years since VE Day: mark this momentous anniversary in your school with our whole-school Big History Day, 80 Years Since VE Day!
Egypt, Land of the Pharaohs: exploring how and why Egypt was so prominent, the structure of Egyptian society, Egyptians’ belief systems – and, of course, the pyramids!
Women Who Changed the World: bringing to life the stories of some amazing women who, while often little known, made the world a better, fairer and kinder place.
The Exploration Game: investigating what exploration “is”, and how it has changed in recent years – and investigating the stories of some explorers who really made a difference.
Civilisations and Cultures: looking at a number of different civilisations from across the world, piecing together stories – and investigating their lasting legacies.
Landmark Monarchs: looking at some of the country’s most important kings and queens – and the roles they played in landmark moments in the nation’s history.
The Story of British STEM: exploring ways in which, over hundreds of years, Britain’s scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians have made, not just the country, but the world a better and safer place!
| Year Groups | EYFS-Y6 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | History |
| Pupil Numbers | 60 per workshops |
| Duration | Multiple workshops over one day |
| Space | School hall |
Workshop FAQs
How many pupils can take part?
A Big History Day can accommodate up-to 60 pupils per workshop – that’s the whole of a two-form entry school in just one day!
What is the format of the day?
The day involves a whole-school assembly, followed by workshops, each one accommodating up to 60 pupils at a time. We will plan a timetable based on the number of classes you would like to include, but a whole-school day might look something like this:
09.00 – 09.20: Whole-school introductory assembly…
09.20 – 10.00: Year 1 stay in the hall for their workshop …
10.00 – 10.40: Year 2 come to the hall for their workshop …
10.40 – 11.20: Year 3 come to the hall for their workshop …
11.20 – 11.50: One Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
LUNCH
1.00 – 1.30: The other Reception class have a visit, in their own setting …
1.30 – 2.05: Year 4 come to the hall for their workshop …
2.05 – 2.40: Year 5 come to the hall for their workshop …
2.40 – 3.15: Year 6 come to the hall for their workshop.
Are there any technical requirements?
Your visitor will need access to a laptop/ screen/projector set up in the working space, so that pupils can view the supporting PowerPoint.
Can we dress up?
Yes! lots of schools choose to dress up to really get into the theme of their history day.
Workshop Testimonials
“Ten out of ten! I was taken aback by just how good the Time Travel Theatre actors were – and by the impacts the workshops had on the pupils!”
“Today, our Jubilee celebrations have included History workshops called ‘Long to Reign Over Us’. We have been learning all about life in Britain over the past seventy years.”
“Thank you from us all for the fantastic workshops – I have had so much positive feedback from the different classes and the content you delivered was spot on for each of the groups.
I was in awe of how easy you made it look, which as a teacher with 20 years experience I don’t say very often! – we will certainly have no hesitation in booking you again in the future.”
“Year 2 had the most incredible History Day with As Creatives! We spent the whole day being historians and learning so much about significant individuals such as Mary Seacole, Martin Luther King, Queen Elizabeth 2, Rosa Parks & Helen Sharman.”
“The students gained a great amount of knowledge from the workshop, and enjoyed learning about a different aspect of WWII and VE Day. This has helped Year 6 to have questions answered that we did not get to cover during our WWII topic. It also allowed other pupils to gain further knowledge, or beginning knowledge about the importance of WWII.”
“Thank you so much for making our history day come alive.
The children thoroughly enjoyed their time with you and everyone had high praise for your great knowledge and enthusiasm!”
“Wow, can I just say how fantastic you are. We had a brilliant day and the kids loved it. Thank you for making our history day so special. Thank you once again. Your communication was brilliant and your ideas were super!”
Related History Workshops
The Brilliant Britons
Take in over ten thousand years of British history in a fast-paced and action-packed hour and a half!
History Through Drama
A History Through Drama day can accommodate the whole of up to a two-form entry school in a single day!
Florence Nightingale – Legacies of the Lady with the Lamp
Using a range of age appropriate, drama-based techniques, Florence will help pupils learn about her life, times and achievements.