Your visit includes a dramatic introduction to the civil war, a gallery session in the museum and your choice of workshops. Each session takes about an hour. We can also timetable a visit to the shop and to the temporary galleries.
Session Title |
Session Content |
Session Length |
KS1 - One Man and his Dog |
An active session using puppets and storytelling to bring to life the Civil War hero Prince Rupert and his magical pet dog Boye. Learn who the Roundheads and Cavaliers were and why they were fighting each other. Pupils get the chance to handle real and replica objects from the Civil War and discover how Prince Rupert saved Newark from the Roundheads. |
45 minutes |
KS1 - Arms and Armour |
Help the King defend Newark.Take part in army training in our interactive and object focused session. Learn about the different types of soldiers who fought in the Civil War and get the chance to examine the arms and armour they used. |
1 hour |
KS2 - Last Town Standing Tour |
Meet John Twentyman or his wife Jane and find out what life was really like in Newark during the Civil War. This character led tour introduces pupils to Newark’s surviving Civil War buildings and the important stories that they tell us about Newark’s role in the war. Discover why Newark was so strategically important locally and nationally, the significant events that happened and the key people who visited Newark in this fun participatory tour. (Please note this tour takes place outside so appropriate footwear and clothing should be worn. |
1 hour |
KS2 - Arms and Armour |
Become a New Model Army recruit and take part in army training in our interactive and object focused session. Learn about the different types of soldiers who fought in the Civil War and get the chance to examine the arms and armour they used. Pupils use their critical thinking to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the weapons and armour available to soldiers at the time and discover the realities of being in the army. |
1 hour |
KS2 - Beseiged |
Join the townspeople of Newark during the third and final siege of Newark. Pupils will take on the roles of real people living in Newark during the Civil war and discover the harsh realities of being under siege. Learn what it was like living through a siege and the difficult choices people had to make. Pupils will work in groups to make decisions for their character. Will they decide to just save themselves or will they help each other? |
1 hour |
KS2 - Civil War Spies |
Become spies for the King and help crack the code to decide which East Midlands town should become his Key to the North. This hands-on session introduces pupils to civil war spying techniques and the strategy needed to win the civil war. Pupils will compare the strengths and weaknesses of the cities and towns of the East Midlands and decide which one they would make their Key to the North. Will they make the same decision as the King and choose Newark? |
1 hour |
We also offer sessions tailored to your requirements and local history sessions on Prehistory, Romans, Tudors and Archaeology.
For more details please contact civilwarlearning@nsdc.info
Discovery boxes are available to borrow for your classroom on these topics.
The cost of hiring a box is £20 for a two week loan.
The Newark Museum collection is full of fascinating artefacts, from Stone Age hand tools and a Roman skeleton to Victorian toys and a WWII folding bike.
We can offer school sessions in your local museum (or in school) on a few topics which are listed below. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, please ask
For January 2020, we wil also be offering facilitated school visits to Newark Castle.
Please contact us on civilwarlearning@nsdc.info if you would like to find out more.