Secondary Schools
To book or find out more about any of these activities, please email civilwarlearning@nsdc.info.
Key Stage 3 - History - The Development of Church, State and Society in Britain 1509-1745.
You can find our Secondary School Learning Brochure here: National Civil War Centre Secondary School Learning Brochure (PDF File, 7,032kb)
Visit
Your visit includes 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.
|
Sessions |
Timing |
Price per pupil |
|
Gallery + 1 workshop |
2 hours |
£4.50 |
|
Gallery + 2 workshops |
full day, approx. 10:15-14:15 |
£7.00 |
|
Gallery + 3 workshops |
longer day, approx. 09:45-14:45 |
£8.00 |
|
Session Title |
Session Content |
Session length |
|
Arms and Armour |
An object based session that examines the weapons and strategy used during the Civil War. Handle typical civil war armour and weapons, learn how they were used and take part in musket and pike drills. Students will investigate the realities of 17th century warfare, discovering the difficulties of coordinating a successful battle and examining the human cost. |
1 hour |
|
The Trial and Execution of Charles I |
This interactive drama based session examines the events of Charles I’s trial and puts students in the roles of the Judges, guards and even the King himself. Students will use archive sources to investigate the issues surrounding the trial and Charles I’s ultimate execution. Was the trial legal? Should he have lost his head? Let your students decide. |
1 hour |
|
Last Town Standing Tour |
Meet John Twentyman or his wife Jane and find out what life was really like during the Civil War. This character led tour introduces students to the surviving Civil War buildings of Newark and the important stories that they tell us about its role in the war. Discover why Newark was so strategically important, the nationally significant events that happened here 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 |
|
No Surrender!
|
Meet John Twentyman or his wife Jane and follow the story of the three sieges of Newark. Spend some time in Newark Castle and uncover its secrets. How did this castle become a ruin? Where did the Royalists make and store their gunpowder? Why did they mint siege coins? Why did our soldiers try to raid Nottingham dressed as women? Find out about Newark’s rivalry with Nottingham and relationships with other local towns and cities. (Please note this tour takes place outside so appropriate footwear and clothing should be worn) |
1 hour |
|
The Three Brothers
|
During a civil war, families can be torn apart by their allegiances. The three Hacker brothers from Newark faced this problem. In The Three Brothers, we examine the causes of the civil wars, looking at sources such as forced loan letters and Lucy Hutchinson’s diary. Unlike his brothers, Francis Hacker rose through the Parliamentarian ranks, lived through the Interregnum and died in the regicide trials. Through this investigation, we discuss the question ‘Why would you choose to fight on a different side from your father or brothers?’ |
1 hour |
"We found the staff very approachable, friendly and reactive to any queries we had. When we asked the students, they particularly enjoyed the aspects of the day where they were able to act and dress up. Particular praise was mentioned for the trial and arms/armour session." – Ms Taylor, St George’s Academy
Learn Online
If you can’t make it to the museum, try our digital sessions.
Meet Captain Munstanley
1 hour livestreamed session: Using your choice of digital learning platform, beam Captain Munstanley into your classroom. He will talk you through some of the weapons and armour used by Civil War soldiers and tell some of his favourite stories, with active participation from your pupils. Prepare questions in advance or during the session and grill him about the British Civil Wars and life in the 17th century.
Object Encounters
1 hour livestreamed session: Using your choice of digital learning platform, your students can examine original 17th century artefacts close up with 3D imaging. We’ll use visible thinking techniques to draw inferences based on the objects, and encourage group discussion. Artefacts include weapons, armour, pamphlets, books, coins and medals.
British Civil Wars Website for KS3
We've recently launched a brand new British Civil Wars website designed just for KS3 students (and their teachers). It was created in partnership with Newcastle University’s Special Collections Education Team using real artefacts and archives from both sites and a wealth of stories and well-researched content. Find it at britishcivilwars.ncl.ac.uk and use it in class as a starter or plenary or set it for homework or self-directed learning.