Anglo-Saxons Experience Day Workshop
Classroom Adventures
Eala, wesaþ þu hal.Welcome.
Today, you're travelling back to the very beginnings of England - to the world of the Anglo-Saxons.
This period is often called the "Dark Ages", but as you'll soon discover, that name doesn't really fit. There is mystery, yes - but also stories, skills, trade, belief, and change. Through the day, you'll explore what we do know, how we know it, and why historians sometimes disagree.
You'll discover that the arrival of the Angles and Saxons wasn't necessarily one single invasion. Writers like Bede and Gildas describe conflict, while archaeological evidence suggests that in some places change may have been gradual and peaceful. You'll explore these different viewpoints and consider how evidence shapes our understanding of the past.
Life in early medieval Britain isn't easy. Land is valuable, and if you want to keep it, you must be ready to defend it - or know when to flee. Villages must stay alert, watching the horizon for danger.
Not every stranger, however, is an enemy.
You'll meet Ottar of Helgeland, a well-travelled fur trader who has journeyed from Norway to visit Ælfred of Wessex, one of the last surviving Saxon kings. Though Ottar follows the old pagan gods and is in Christian lands, his travels have made him knowledgeable about many cultures, beliefs, and customs.
Ottar is someone worth knowing in uncertain times. He can tell you stories of distant places and peoples - and he understands weapons, armour, and the realities of conflict. But Saxon life isn't only about fighting. Strategy and thinking matter too, and you'll explore board games such as Hnefatafl, used to sharpen the mind as well as pass the time.
The question is simple: when the alarm is raised, will you be ready?
Where we travel to
We can visit your school in:
What activities are available during this school workshop?
Our Anglo-Saxons Experience Day is a full-day, immersive workshop designed to combine enquiry, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Activities typically include:
- Meeting a costumed historical interpreter
Engaging directly with a character from the period to explore daily life and beliefs.
- Weapons and armour
Seeing and handling replica equipment to understand how Saxons fought and defended their land.
- Interactive storytelling
Exploring key ideas and events through guided narrative and discussion.
- Anglo-Saxon games
Learning and playing historical board games, including Hnefatafl, to develop strategic thinking.
- Early medieval society
Examining life from the homestead to the warrior, including trade, belief, and status.
- Artefacts and archaeology
Handling replica objects and exploring the Sutton Hoo burial, revealing what its discoveries tell us about Anglo-Saxon power, craftsmanship, and belief.
Activities typically include:
- Meeting a costumed historical interpreter
Engaging directly with a character from the period to explore daily life and beliefs.
- Weapons and armour
Seeing and handling replica equipment to understand how Saxons fought and defended their land.
- Interactive storytelling
Exploring key ideas and events through guided narrative and discussion.
- Anglo-Saxon games
Learning and playing historical board games, including Hnefatafl, to develop strategic thinking.
- Early medieval society
Examining life from the homestead to the warrior, including trade, belief, and status.
- Artefacts and archaeology
Handling replica objects and exploring the Sutton Hoo burial, revealing what its discoveries tell us about Anglo-Saxon power, craftsmanship, and belief.
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Saxons Workshop
Invaders and Settlers Saxon Settlements Saxon Laws and Justice Arts and Culture Edward the Confessor Alfred the Great
In this immersive workshop pupils will learn all about the world of the Saxons. They will meet an Anglo-Saxon family and discover the different lives each live and the world they inhabit.
Children will learn how their world was radically changed by invaders, the changes that would eventually lead to the country of England being formed.
They will discover some of the myths and legends that formed their culture, even after conversion to Christianity.
Oh yes, and there will weapons and shields!!!
Archaeology Workshop
In our Anglo-Saxon Experience Day children will discover how we find out about the past as they see replicas of artefacts found in archaeological excavations. Some of these items are fairly obvious, however some are a little more open to interpretation, and the children get to explore some of their own ideas...
Drama Workshop
In our Anglo-Saxon Experience Day, children have the opportunity to "be part of the story" as they role-play and act out stories and historical events throughout the day.
Participation is light-hearted and fast paced as the difference scenes and activities weave throughout the day.
What size groups do we cater for?
Our Anglo-Saxons Experience Day is suitable for mainstream KS2 classes, from single-form entry to four-form entry (approximately 30-120 pupils).
We can accommodate a wide range of group sizes, provided there is:
- a clear hall with sufficient space for movement-based activities
- appropriate staffing to remain with pupils throughout the day
We can accommodate a wide range of group sizes, provided there is:
- a clear hall with sufficient space for movement-based activities
- appropriate staffing to remain with pupils throughout the day
Access for visitors with disabilities
Our days are aimed to be fun and engaging for all.
Our only requirement is that you/your organisation provide the relevant staffing and equipment needed to facilitate any individual's participation.
Our only requirement is that you/your organisation provide the relevant staffing and equipment needed to facilitate any individual's participation.
Anything else?
To deliver a high-quality, immersive Anglo-Saxons Experience Day, we require:
- secure on-site parking
- exclusive use of a school hall for the duration of the day
- two trestle tables
- sufficient staff to remain with pupils throughout the workshop
(These requirements allow us to deliver a safe, structured, full-day experience.)
- secure on-site parking
- exclusive use of a school hall for the duration of the day
- two trestle tables
- sufficient staff to remain with pupils throughout the workshop
(These requirements allow us to deliver a safe, structured, full-day experience.)
Who are Classroom Adventures?
- Designed for learning, not just entertainment
Every experience day is carefully structured to support KS2 history objectives, encouraging enquiry, discussion, and critical thinking alongside enjoyment.
- Immersive, full-day experiences
We don't deliver short workshops or assemblies. Each visit is a complete day of learning, allowing pupils time to explore ideas in depth and fully engage with the period.
- Led by costumed historical interpreters
Pupils learn from knowledgeable facilitators who bring history to life through storytelling, discussion, and hands-on activities - not scripts or performances.
- Hands-on, object-based learning
Pupils see and handle replica artefacts, tools, weapons, and equipment, helping them make tangible connections with the past.
- Inclusive and adaptable
Our days are designed to be accessible, with flexibility built in to support a wide range of pupils and school settings.
- Clear structure and professional delivery
We work alongside school staff, maintaining high standards of behaviour, safety, and safeguarding throughout the day.
- Experience you can trust
Classroom Adventures' staff have been delivering educational experience days since 2016, working with schools across the UK to provide high-quality, memorable learning.
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