All sessions are linked across the curriculum, and fulfil SMSC British Values: the rule of law, justice and democracy, and PSHE and Citizenship, and tailor made to your year group.
All sessions include:
- Interrogating & interpreting primary sources and objects to uncover original case study stories of real people which develop historical enquiry skills.
- Interactive accompanied guided tours of Shire Hall including the courtroom & cells linked to our case studies and topics.
And a choice of hands-on active learning activities from:
- Courtroom scripted activities and mock trials using original primary source case studies, fiction texts or traditional tales.
- Hands-on activities linked to all our topics including object handling; games; trails and traditional activities.
- Creative activities including peg doll making, creating portraits in a range of medium; printing & traditional crafts
Our sessions include…
History Sessions
Victorian Childhood:
Uncover the story of Harry Parker aged 7 years old, who was tried at Shire Hall in 1873. Look at Harry’s story, what life was like for him and what it can tell us about Victorian times.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs:
Find out about Dorset’s most famous court case. Uncover the story of the 6 farm workers who were put on trial in 1834 for working together to make wages and life better for everyone. Follow their journey to the other side of the world and back.
The Great Fire of Dorchester 1613:
Discover what Dorchester was like in the 1600s and uncover the story of the candlemaker and the great fie; move the gunpowder before it’s too late! Compare what happened here to the Great Fire of London.
Smugglers & Smuggling:
Follow the true stories of the smugglers of Dorset as they bring in their smuggled goods and give the slip to the Customs Men! Uncover what they did and how they did it; move the barrels and boxes of lace before it’s too late!
Local History studies:
Discover the cases of real people in the courtroom at Shire Hall in the 1800s who were from your area. What did they do and what happened to them? What was life like for them?
Shire Hall Detectives: How do we find out about the past?
What are sources of evidence and how can we use them to find out about the past? Using a range of archaeology, objects, documents, photographs and other primary sources, develops historical enquiry skills and questioning using real life stories.
A Victorian Christmas:
Celebrate Christmas at Shire Hall with seasonal craft activities including making traditional Christmas decorations and a Victorian Christmas card with nib pen and ink writing. Follow the Twelve Days of Christmas tour and enjoy a traditional Christmas story around the Christmas tree.
English and Creative Literacy
Use our building and case studies to explore literature and creative literacy such as:
- Fairy Tales & Nursery Rhymes on Trial
- Texts in the courtroom e.g. Wind in the Willows
- Poetry, including Smugglers Song
- The Highwayman
- Creative literacy responses to the building and its stories.
Creative Subjects
Use our building and case studies to explore
- art and design
- drama
- performing arts
Bespoke Sessions
We can create bespoke sessions linked to your own topics and teaching and learning objectives.