Workshops

Homes From the Past

In this character‑led workshop, pupils explore domestic life at Shibden Hall and discover what it was like to live and work in a historic household. Welcomed by the Housekeeper or Footman, the class takes part in a series of traditional household tasks that reveal the routines and expectations of servants in the past.

Pupils compare historic domestic work with life today, developing observation, questioning, and comparison skills as they consider how homes and jobs have changed over time. Lively and engaging, the session offers pupils a memorable insight into the rhythms of life in a historic home.

(Key Stage 1: Changes in Living Memory, Key Stage 1 and 2: Local History)

Tudor Times

In this workshop, pupils explore what life was like at Shibden during the late Tudor period. They investigate a range of Tudor‑era objects, clothing, and pastimes to build an understanding of how people lived, worked, and entertained themselves during this time.

Through guided discussion and close observation, pupils consider how Tudor life differs from today, developing skills in enquiry, comparison, and using evidence to think about the past.

(Key Stage 2 History, Chronological Knowledge beyond 1066, Local History, Historical Enquiry)

Toys from the Past

This interactive workshop helps pupils explore how toys have changed over time through hands on investigation. Children examine toys from different decades, looking closely at the materials they’re made from and how design and play have evolved. They sort objects into “old” and “new,” compare features, and discuss how Victorian toys have influenced modern ones.

The session supports key historical skills, including observing and comparing artefacts, asking questions, identifying similarities and differences, and developing a sense of chronology. Pupils also create their own thaumatrope, connecting past and present with a simple craft activity.

Also available as an outreach session

(Key Stage 1, Changes in Living Memory, Science)

Amazing Artefacts

This hands‑on workshop supports historical enquiry by giving pupils the chance to investigate a selection of mystery artefacts from different eras. Children work collaboratively to observe objects closely, ask questions, make inferences, and draw conclusions about their purpose and origins.

The session strengthens key historical skills—enquiry, comparison, and chronological understanding—while helping pupils build confidence in using real and replica artefacts as evidence. Engaging and interactive, it’s an ideal way to introduce or deepen work on how historians investigate the past.

Available as an outreach session

(Key Stage 2 and 3 History, Chronology, Historical Skills – adaptable for KS1)

Victorians

This engaging workshop introduces pupils to life in a Victorian household through practical, immersive activities. Children take part in a traditional washday, explore Victorian domestic objects, and compare them with modern equivalents to understand how everyday routines have changed over time.

Pupils also have the opportunity to play with original and reproduction Victorian toys, supporting key historical skills such as observing artefacts, asking questions, identifying similarities and differences, and building chronological understanding in an interactive and memorable way.

Also available as an outreach session

(Key Stage 1 and 2 History, Local History)

World War Two

In this lively, character‑led session, pupils are introduced to life on the Home Front through encounters with Beryl the Billeting Officer and Ada/Arthur the Air Raid Warden. Role‑play helps the class explore what evacuation meant for children during the war and the tough decisions families faced.

Pupils examine a selection of original wartime objects, explore toys from the 1940s, and try on period clothing and uniforms to deepen their sense of the era. The workshop highlights everyday wartime challenges such as blackout precautions, air‑raid routines, and rationing, encouraging pupils to think critically, compare past and present experiences, and build a clearer understanding of life during WW2.

Also available as an outreach session

(Key Stage 2 History, Local History)

Local History

In this workshop, pupils discover the rich industrial and cultural history of the local area. They learn about the heritage of carpet weaving, explore sample designs, and investigate how patterns were constructed. Using inspiration from historic samples and patterns in the fashion gallery, pupils create their design before taking part in a practical weaving activity.

The session also includes time in the Calderdale history exhibition, where pupils explore how the landscape, land use, communities, and local industries have changed over time.

(Adaptable for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 History, Local History, Changes Over Time)

World of Textiles

This practical workshop introduces pupils to textile traditions through close exploration of pieces from the collection. Inspired by historic and contemporary examples, pupils take part in a hands‑on activity of your choice—such as weaving, rag‑rug making, or wet‑felting—to experience how textiles are constructed and decorated.

The session builds pupils’ understanding of materials, craft processes, and creative techniques while encouraging experimentation and design thinking.

(Adaptable for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3, Art and Design, Materials)

Working with Patterns

In this creative workshop, pupils explore how patterns have been used across different cultures and time periods. Using objects and designs from the collection, they investigate motifs, shapes, and techniques that have inspired makers throughout history.

(Key Stage 1 and 2, Art and Design)

We offer a flexible programme of artist‑led workshops linked to both our permanent art collection and the changing exhibitions gallery. Pupils can explore the people, places, and stories represented in the permanent displays, developing observational and interpretive skills through guided discussion and creative activities.

Classes can also work with artists featured in current exhibitions, gaining insight into contemporary practice and experimenting with techniques inspired by their work.

(Adaptable for Key Stages 1 – 4, Art and Design)