For teachers and educators

Learning Visit and ResourceGuide

Leicester Arts andMuseums Service

Published March 2015

CreativeUniqueInspirational Engaging Hands-on Cross-curricularFunValuable

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

Please

put this booklet

somewhere

visible in your

staffroom.

Welcome to Learning with Leicester Artsand Museums Service

What is the Learning Visit and Resource Guide?

Leicester Arts and Museums Service look after a collection of aroundone million objects and artworks - from tiny fossil fragments tohuge steam engines - cared for and displayed in our five citymuseums. We also manage a family of unique city heritage sites.Together these rich resources offer an amazing opportunity toeducate, entertain and inspire everyone.

Whether visiting one of the city museums, heritage sites, or workingin the classroom, our varied menu of learning packages aredesigned to support curriculum teaching across the Key Stages.

This Learning Visit and Resource Guide is aimed at teachers andlearners. It is organised by site and by Key Stage to help you locateresources that will support your group’s needs.

This guide highlights our permanent resources. Don’t forget to visitour website for details of extra options, associated temporaryexhibitions and special events:

leicester.gov.uk/museums

Our Services

Visiting a museum or heritage site will bring learning to lifethrough unique, hands-on experiences.

3

• Active Learning SessionsOne to two hour interactive sessions held within our museums and heritage venues covering a broad range of topics. These are led by our team of experienced museum and gallery educators.

• Facilitator-led / Artist-led WorkshopsDeveloped to support the temporary exhibition programme across theArts and Museums service. Workshops cover a range of curriculum topics and skills development for all Key Stages.

• Self-led Resources, e.g. Handling Boxes and TrailsResources designed to support a self-led visit to our sites. These resources can be used alongside an Active Learning Session or workshop to accommodate larger groups.

• Independent VisitsTeachers and group leaders are able to design and lead their own activities across our sites. We offer free pre-visits to support the planning of every site booking.

Abbey Pumping Station

Explore Leicester’s industrial, technological and scientific heritage

4

Relive the might, power and beauty of Victorian engineering at AbbeyPumping Station. Opened in 1891,Abbey Pumping Station was built topump Leicester’s sewage to thetreatment works at Beaumont Leysand be part of a grand scheme tomake Leicester a healthier place. The museum exhibits range frombeautifully decorated Victorian beamsteam engines, to exhibitions on lightand optics, historic transport andpublic health.

Museum-led Activities

KS1 Active Learning Session• Oh I do like to be…1950s

Seaside HolidaysInvolving role-play activities, songs and games, this session encourages children to imagine what it would have been like to travel to Skegness for a holiday on our 1950s restored bus.

KS2 Active Learning Session• Beaming with Health…Death

and Disease in Victorian LeicesterPupils discover the gruesome side of Victorian Leicester, when open sewers flowed down overcrowded streets and over two-thirds of

children didn’t survive to the age of ten. They examine why the Abbey Pumping Station was built and how it changed the lives of Leicester’s Victorian residents. Pupils are also given a tour of the magnificent steam engines, including areas usually off limits to the public.

• Victorian WashdayOur hands-on session will explore how people used to do the washingin Victorian times. Real objects andcostumes compliment this session.

Self-led Activities

• KS1 and KS2 Victorian Handling BoxThe box focuses on Victorian domestic life or Victorian childhoodtopics. The box contains a variety of replica artefacts, description cards and suggested activities.

Abbey Pumping StationCorporation Road, Leicester LE4 5PX

5

Jewry Wall Museum

Bring the Romans to life with Leicester’s archaeological treasures

6

Discover the remains of a genuineRoman bathhouse and exploreLeicester’s Museum of Archaeology.The site’s centrepiece is Jewry Wall,one of the largest sections of survivingRoman building in the country. Themuseum shows off an amazingcollection of everyday Roman findsfrom in and near Leicester, includinginternationally important examples of Roman mosaics and painted wallplaster.

Museum-led Activities

KS2 Active Learning Sessions• Roman Life

Stuck in time, our Roman tile maker, Primus, needs your help to remember all about his life in Ratae Corieltavorum (Roman Leicester). Learn about Roman objects, clothing, games, languageand marching and return Primus tohis own time. This session utilises an interactive film to contextualise a fun and active session.

• Bare Bones…The Life and Death of a Saxon LadyIn 1866 a skeleton was uncovered at a gravel pit near Glen Parva, which turned out to be the final resting place of a high status Saxon lady. Examine the remains of the Glen Parva Lady and the objects that she was buried with, to piece together the story of her life, death and ceremonial burial inAnglo-Saxon times. Pupils also have the opportunity to explore local Anglo-Saxon place-names and handle burial urns.

Self-led Activities

• KS2+ Roman Handling BoxesA large number of handling boxes containing a variety of Roman artefacts discovered around the city are available for use within the museum.

• KS2+ Roman Activity BackpacksPupils investigate the Roman Bathhouse site through a series of hands-on activities. Split into groups, they will experience the site as a merchant and attendant, with opportunities for self-discovery,discussion and decision-making.

7

• Jewry Wall Children’s Trails Designed to support a self-led visit,the trails focus on the unique Roman and Saxon collections. The trails can be booked to accompanyan Active Learning Session therefore extending the visit. A class pack can be booked for free, to be collected from reception on the day of visit.

Why not combine your session witha visit to the nearby NewarkeHouses Museum for a full day oflearning?

Jewry Wall MuseumSt Nicholas Circle, Leicester LE1 4LB

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery

Inspirational collections spanning the natural, historic and artistic world

8

First opened in 1849, New Walk Museum& Art Gallery has inspired generations– including the young Richard andDavid Attenborough. Our famouscollections open a window onto theworld, from Ancient Egypt to the polaricecaps; we even have a real localdinosaur! Be inspired by art and craftfrom many places and times andexplore the wonders of the naturalworld. Leicester’s flagship museumhas something for everyone.

Museum-led Activities

Early Years Active Learning Session• Rutland the Dinosaur

Accidently locked in the museum at night time, Mrs Penelope Pumpernickel meets Rutland the Dinosaur. Find out about their nighttime adventure in the museum through an illustrated story and props. This highly interactive session helps pupils explore literacy, sound and movement.

KS1 Active Learning Sessions• Dinosaurs

During this session, attention is focused upon two different dinosaurs displayed in the gallery; the Cetiosaurus and Neovenator.

Children will engage in hands-on activities to explore how we find out and learn about dinosaurs. Pupils will also look at the specific differences between the two contrasting dinosaurs.

KS2 Active Learning Sessions• Meet the Mummies

This popular session investigates ancient Egyptian beliefs and lifestyles. Pupils examine the collection of mummies and handle a range of 3000-year-old artefacts.Activities include using an Egyptian-style bow-drill, removing the organs from a purpose made mummy and making a clay amuletto take back to school.

• Looking at Paintings (narrative, composition and materials)Held in the impressively refurbished Victorian Art Gallery, this session focusses on the broad aspects of 19th century paintings, such as the importance of narrative, subject matter, composition and the use of materials. The session engages pupils in various practical activities to help them gain confidence to look at and evaluate a painting.

9

KS4+• German Expressionist Object Box

Leicester is home to the most important collection of German Expressionist art in the UK. The objects in this box help to explore why this 20th century art movement changed the world andhow Nazi persecution led some of this art to first come to Leicester. The box is guided by a museum facilitator.

Self-led Activities

• Wild Space Children’s Trail Designed to support KS1 and KS2 visits to the Wild Space gallery, the trail leads you around the exhibition, highlighting animals to look out for and things to do. A class pack can be booked for free, to be collected from reception on the day of visit.

• Egyptians Children’s Trail Designed to support a self-led visit to the Egyptian galleries, the trail engages groups in a series of questions, discussions and activities. A class pack can be booked for free, to be collected from reception on the day of visit.

• Dinosaur Detective Activity BackpacksBackpacks contain fun and creativeactivities to suit ages 5 - 10 years. Focussing on the Cetiosaurus (The Rutland Dinosaur), activities explorethe dinosaur's diet, movement andskin texture. Resources support each activity and they include a pair of binoculars, explorer hat andpuppet. The backpacks are free to use and can be collected from the museum's reception.

• German Expressionist ResourcesFor teachers, families and any visitors to the gallery, these activity packs help children and young people explore the German Expressionist Collection in a variety of interesting and visually exciting ways.

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA

Newarke Houses Museum & Gardensincorporating the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire RegimentTake another look at Leicester’s past

10

Newarke Houses Museum is made up of two historic houses: Wygston’sChantry House built around 1511 andSkeffington House dating from 1583.Many different people have used,lived in, changed and extended thesebuildings over the centuries. Today it isLeicester’s museum of modern history,including the story of the RoyalLeicestershire Regiment (‘The Tigers’).Explore the twists and turns of thebuilding and discover personalrecollections, archive films, flip books,touch screen interactives and afantastic collection of objects. Don’tforget our famous recreated Victorianstreet scene and the powerful replicaFirst World War trench.

Museum-led Activities

KS1 Active Learning Sessions• Toys’ Playtime – Hands-on Fun

with Old and New ToysChildren explore, compare and even play with a variety of toys andgames, which date from the Tudor period to the present day. Teachersalso have the option to examine multi-cultural toys that reflect Leicester’s communities.

KS2 Active Learning Session• Second World War Witness:

A Childhood at WarThis session aims to give a real sense of what life would have been like for children during the Second World War by exploring themuseum’s ‘Home Front’ galleries. Pupils will begin to understand the impact of rationing by visiting our replica street to purchase goods with their ration book. During the session, groups can also try on gas masks and create their own luggage label and ID card to get a feel for how it would have been for an evacuee.

KS3 and KS4 Active LearningSession• World War I

Pupils explore the life of a WWI soldier through a variety of experiences including handling kit, hearing entries from a local soldier’s diary and exploring the museum’s replica trench. Pupils also take part in activities looking at the recruitment of soldiers and the causes and consequences of war. This session is suitable for those studying WWI at KS3 or examination level.

Self-led Activities• World War One Activity Packs

New activity packs are now available to download to support the WW1 galleries at Newarke Houses Museum and are suitable for families, schools and community groups and include activities to do in the museum and at home. The three packs are: a family pack; for ages 7-11 years and for 11-16 years. Find out more and download the packs from the Learning webpage: leicester.gov.uk/ww1activitypacks

Why not combine your session witha visit to the nearby Jewry WallMuseum for a full day of learning?

Newarke Houses Museumincorporating the Museum of theRoyal Leicestershire Regiment The Newarke, Leicester LE2 7BY

11

The Guildhall

Explore 600 years of Leicester history in an atmospheric timber-framed building

12

One of the best-preserved timber-framed halls in the country, thisfamous Leicester landmark was builtaround 1390 as a Guild meeting placeand has been used ever since as avenue to meet, eat and celebrate - it’srumoured that William Shakespeareeven performed here! Our newmedieval galleries will help you to explore Leicester’s history anddiscover the secrets of the Guildhall.

Museum-led Activities

KS2 Active Learning Session• Court in the Act… Crime and

Punishment in Tudor LeicesterDiscover the atmospheric Guildhalland step back to the Tudor era when the building housed the town’s law courts. This session uses drama activities that involve pupils learning Tudor language, investigating social structures and exploring attitudes to crime and punishment through re-enactment of real courtroom scenes.

KS3+ Active Learning Session• Medieval Realms

This session works both as a great introduction to the Medieval Period and as a unique experience to consolidate classroom learning. Pupils are provided with hands-on experience, as they are encouraged to touch, handle and assess armour, while learning about the life of a knight. They will also consider key areas of medieval life such as medieval towns, the power of the Church, health and hygiene and the Guild.

Why not combine this session with a visit to the nearby Leicester Castleor King Richard III Visitor Centre for afull day of medieval learning?

The Guildhall Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ

Leicester Castle

Investigate the remains of a mighty castle - and put a king on trial!

13

Leicester was home to a major castlefor almost 900 years. Today the castlemay appear to have disappeared, butin fact important parts survive. Theseinclude the original Norman motteand sections of wall. Most important isthe great hall, used by the earls ofLeicester and visiting kings, includingKing Richard III. The impressive timberroof dates back to the 14th centuryand is one of the best preserved inEurope. The hall was later convertedinto a courtroom which was still useduntil the late 20th century.

• The Trial of King Richard IIIPut King Richard III on trial in the Castle’s very own courtroom. Was he a good and fair King or an evil tyrant? Teams will evaluate contemporary evidence from the medieval period, and later evidence from secondary sources, to make the case for the prosecution and the defence. Pupils will also learn about crime and punishment through the ages,and handle historical artefacts from prisons.

Option 1 - combine this session witha visit to the Guildhall for a full dayof medieval learning (details in theGuildhall section)

Option 2 - combine this session witha visit to the King Richard III VisitorCentre for a full day’s activity:

• King Richard III Visitor Centre + The Trial of King Richard IIISpend half a day at the King Richard III Visitor Centre and use our Discovery Pack to help find your way around and learn about one of England’s most famous kings. After learning all about Richard, you will then walk the short distance to Leicester Castle toput King Richard III on trial in the ‘Trial of King Richard III’ session.To book this as a combined visit please contact the King Richard III Visitor Centre on schools@kriii.comor 0116 229 4132.

Leicester Castle Castle View, Leicester LE1 5WH

King Richard III Visitor Centre4A St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DB

Booking Information

14

Due to high demand for our sessions,we advise that bookings are madeearly.

Please follow the instructions belowthat guide you through the bookingprocess. All group visits must bebooked in advance, including ‘Self-led’ visits.

For latest charges, please contact theLearning Office.

Step 1Before you contact us to make abooking, please have the followinginformation ready:

• Site(s) and resource(s) you would like to book

• The date you want to visit (pleasehave a number of alternatives asthere is high demand for many of our sessions)

• The time you plan to arrive and leave (please ensure you includeadequate time for travel)

• If you would like to book lunchroom facilities

• The maximum number per Active Learning Session is 35 pupils for KS1 and KS2 and 30 pupils for KS3 and above

• Details of special requirements of pupils or accompanying adults

• Contact details for the school and supervising teacher

Step 2Telephone the Learning Office on 0116 225 4910 or emaillearning@leicester.gov.uk to bookyour visit (NOTE: please use the sametelephone number for all bookingsexcept the combined visit with KingRichard III Visitor Centre).

Step 3Book your transport and ensure thatdrivers are fully aware of which site(s)you are visiting, how to get there andan accurate estimated journey time(NOTE: our teaching staff are part-timeand cannot guarantee a full session ifyou arrive late).

Step 4A ‘Booking Confirmation’ will be sentalong with a ‘Visit Itinerary’ outliningyour schedule for the day. Pleasecheck these carefully and inform usimmediately if any changes need tobe made.

15

How to PayFor resources that incur a cost, schoolswill be invoiced following their visit.

Cancellation or Alteration of VisitThe Learning Office must be contactedat least five working days before yourvisit if you wish to cancel or alter abooking. Groups that make acancellation at short notice will beinvoiced for the full cost of the booking.

DamagesPlease report any accidental damageto exhibits or property during your visit.Where damage is caused deliberatelyor through inappropriate behaviour,groups will be invoiced for the repairor replacement of each damaged item.

Guidelines for Group Visits

16

Pre-visit PlanningTeachers and group leaders areencouraged to make a freepreparation visit to support riskassessments and planning for groupvisits. Copies of Leicester Arts andMuseums risk assessments areavailable from the Learning Office.

Adult : Pupil RatiosThe ratio of group leaders to studentsis dependent on the age of thestudents.Secondary 1:15 students (minimum)Primary 1:6 students (minimum)Nursery / Reception 1:4 students(minimum)

Supervision of ChildrenTeachers and group leaders areresponsible for the supervision ofchildren throughout the visit. Pleasenote that the museum will be open tothe public during your visit.

ArrivalA map of all sites including postcodesand contact numbers is provided onthe reverse of your BookingConfirmation to assist with theplanning of your journey. To ensure apositive learning experience for allvisiting groups, please ensure youarrive on time for your booked activity.Active Learning Sessions will alwaysfinish at the time stated on yourBooking Confirmation.

Appropriate BehaviourTo ensure the safety of visiting groupsand protection of museum exhibits,Leicester Arts and Museums Servicerequires everyone to follow theguidelines below:• Visitors should not climb on

exhibits, walls, monuments or statues at the venues

• Visitors should refrain from runningin galleries and on historical outdoor sites

• Visitors may eat and drink in the designated areas but not in the galleries

• Lunchrooms must be left as they are found

• Groups will be informed when theyare able to handle or touch exhibits, either by a Project Leader or on an object label

• Some objects may not be handled for conservation reasons

• Before handling exhibits, groups should ensure they have clean hands

• Objects should be handled with care and always with teacher or group leader supervision

• If behaviour guidelines are broken, the Project Leader may cancel the Active Learning Session and the group will be invoiced for the full cost of the booking

17

Leicester Arts and Museums ServiceMuseums and Heritage Sites

18

For bookings please contact: The Learning OfficeT: 0116 225 4910 / E: learning@leicester.gov.ukleicester.gov.uk/museums

Abbey Pumping StationCorporation Road, off Abbey Lane, Leicester LE4 5PXT: 0116 299 5111

Belgrave Hall & Gardens*Church Road, Leicester LE4 5PET: 0116 299 8181

The GuildhallGuildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQT: 0116 253 2569

Jewry Wall MuseumSt Nicholas Circle, Leicester LE1 4LBT: 0116 225 4971

Leicester CastleCastle View, Leicester LE1 5WHT: 0116 225 4980

Newarke Houses Museum & GardensThe Newarke, Leicester LE2 7BYT: 0116 225 4980

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EAT: 0116 225 4900

*Schools are welcome to come on self-guidedvisits of the Belgrave Hall heritage gardensduring the open season from April toSeptember, free every Wednesday during theseason. Visits on other days or out of seasonneed to be booked in advance and there will be a charge. Garden trails are available.

Inner city sites

T: 0116 225 4910E: learning@leicester.gov.ukleicester.gov.uk/artsleicester.gov.uk/museums

Front cover image credit:Alexei von Jawlensky, ‘Head in Black and Green’, lithograph, 1956, after 1913 original.© Leicester Arts and Museums Service