Our workshops are a great opportunity for schools to use original and replica artefacts in hands-on investigations that develop an understanding of chronology and bring history to life. The learning team have been working on redesigning an array of exciting and engaging school workshops, which we will continue to grow.
We are always keen to work with schools and teachers to create new programming if you have a topic you would like to see as part of our workshops. For more information please email: museum.learning@calderdale.gov.uk
Bankfield Museum
Toys from the Past:
Investigate old toys dating from the Victorian era to the 1980’s and discover the changes made through the decades.
Also available as an outreach session.
(Key Stage 1, Changes in Living Memory, Science)
Amazing Artefacts:
A hand-on investigation aimed at promoting history enquiry and understanding of chronology using a range of mystery artefacts from across the eras.
Available as an outreach session.
(Key Stage 2 and 3 History, Chronology, Historical Skills – adaptable for KS1)
Victorians:
Discover what life was like living and working in a Victorian household. Experience washday, investigate Victorian domestic objects, and play with original and reproduction Victorian toys in this fun and interactive historical workshop.
Also available as an outreach session.
(Key Stage 1 and 2 History, Local History)
World War Two:
Meet Beryl the Billeting Officer and Ada/Arthur the Air Raid Warden in this interactive workshop. Through role-play your class will find out about being evacuated during World War Two. Children handle a variety of original wartime artefacts, play with authentic toys and try on clothing and uniforms from the 1940’s. The activities focus on aspects of the Home Front such as blackout, air raids and rationing.
Also available as an outreach session.
(Key Stage 2 History, Local History)
Coming soon - Crime and Punishment, Nursing and Stone Age workshops.
Let’s Illustrate with Chris Mould (January to July 2025):
Join award-winning children’s book author and book illustrator, Chris Mould, for a practical art workshop in celebration of his new exhibition.
Art and Design:
Working with Patterns - Explore how patterns have been used throughout history using artefacts from different eras and explore our collection to inspire your own designs.
(Key Stages 2 & 3, Adaptable for Key stage 1, Art & Design, Local History)
World of Textiles - Be inspired by the textiles in our collection and current fashion exhibition before taking part in a practical, hands-on activity of your choice such as weaving, rag rugging or wet felting.
(Adaptable for all ages, Art & Design, Local History)
Our artists are also able to offer bespoke art workshops to match your chosen theme and skill focus. Please contact our learning team at museum.learning@calderdale.gov.uk to arrange.
Shibden Hall
Homes from the Past:
Delve into Shibden’s past with this lively character-led workshop and discover what it was like to live and work at the Hall. Your class will be met by the Housekeeper/Footman of Shibden Hall and take part in a variety of hands-on domestic chores to assist Shibden’s servants as they carry out their daily duties and find out what if they have what it takes to work for the Lister family.
(Key Stage 1: Changes in Living Memory, Key Stage 1 and 2: Local History)
Coming soon - Tudor Times and Anne Lister of Shibden workshops.
Smith Art Gallery
Welcome to Calderdale with Roger Davies (January to June 2025):
A hands-on, creative workshop led by artist Roger Davies in conjunction with the opening of his new exhibition that celebrates the locality, community and culture as seen through Roger’s idiosyncratic vision and informed by his love of life in Calderdale.
How to book
If you are interested in booking any of our workshops or have any other enquiries for our learning team, please email: museum.learning@calderdale.gov.uk