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Oakham Castle is Norman Great Hall in a motte and bailey. Children can spend their day in the inspiring Great Hall and take part in immersive outdoor activities in our enclosed grounds. Come on a Tuesday and we have the place to ourselves. We cater for students from EYFS to KS4 covering Vikings, Saxons, The Norman Conquest, Life under Norman Rule, Castles, Crime and Punishment through Time, Medieval Medicine and The Development of Democracy.
To sum our education programme up perhaps the citation from our Sandford Award Judge Chriss Green last year will help give you a picture:
"The driving force behind this education programme is that history should be felt and it is! The education programme provides outstanding opportunities for school groups to enhance their lessons".
History is not only physically felt with hands-on, immersive learning, but children also engage emotionally as they explore the trials and joys of those they are studying through roleplay, games, storytelling, problem-solving and even battle re-enactment.
We offer from half-day and full-day visits to outreach and special needs adult education sessions.
Why book Oakham Castle for School Trips and Educational Visits?
Yours will be the only school booking for the day. Our leaders are also performers so you get character and fun as well as exceptional subject knowledge. Your class will feel welcomed and special, we always aim to make their day one of the most memorable trips they will have. We work with you to plan a bespoke day that ties closely to your theme and can offer support with both pre and post-visit resources to inspire and build on what students learn with us.
Which Curriculum Subjects do you cater for?
Saxons
Our Anglo Saxon day takes children on a journey of discovery with active, multisensory activities. Visit our advert to find out more.
Medieval
We have workshops for the very young and for older children on this subject. CASTLES - for EYFS and KS1 - is a multisensory immersive day in a beautiful Norman Great Hall.
Visit our advert to find out more.
Citizenship
Curriculum topics available: Crime and punishment, Monarchy, Democracy.
Our Crime and Punishment workshop day is packed with immersive activities that encourage us to question - why did people in the past have broken laws? were the laws or the punishments fair? have we reached a fair system and now? what are our responsibilities? We end with a debate in our court, the topic can be of your choosing to tie in with your aims.
In addition see Monarchs section below for a development of Democracy day 'The Trouble with Kings...'
Please also see
Human Geography
Curriculum topics available: Settlement and land use, Economic activity and trade.
Oakham Castle is small motte and bailey castle. For
Vikings
Heroic acts to enthrall children are brought to life with a performance of Beowolf, the epic story of a Viking hero, and his daring deeds. Explore the fascinating end of the Viking age learning how Vikings looked to settle in England. The King of Norway, Harold Hardrada's, attempt to invade in 1066 can be reenacted once your class has trained in Vikings warfare with our very own Viking Warrior. Children will be buzzing on their home having taken part in activities that range from reflective to highly active and loads of fun. Sessions can be tailored to suit your learning outcomes. Just give us a call to discuss your aims. Visit our advert to find out more
Monarchs
'The Trouble With Kings...' is a fun day that brings key moments of the development of democracy o life for Upper KS2/KS3 or KS4. Edward the Confessor, William I, King John, Edward III, Richard II, and King Charles are all are featured as we romp through, rebellions, revolts, and major challenges to power in pursuit of a fairer society. We end with a debate on democracy versus dictatorship the gives opportunities for students to test their understanding of the principles of democracy and voice their opinions on whether they think we have a fair democracy
What activities are available during group visits?
EYFS and KS1 - Castles, Ladies, Knights and Peasants
EYFS and KS1 - Introduction to Castle Life
KS2/KS3/KS4 - Crime and Punishment Through Time
KS2/KS3/KS4 - Lessons in the Witchcraft and Wizardry
KS2/KS3/KS4 - Battle of Hastings
KS2/3/4 - Crime and Punishment
KS2/3/4 - Castles and Science
KS2/3/4 - Settlements
KS2/3/4 - Lessons in Witchcraft and Wizardry
KS2/3/4 - The Battle of Hastings
KS2/3/4 - The Trouble with Kings
We also provide outreach in a variety of forms and covering a wide range of subjects
What size groups do you cater for?
We can accommodate up to 60 children at any one time.
Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?
We have a secondary room adjoining the Great Hall that could be set up as a classroom should a group require it.
Is there first aid on site?
All of our core team members are trained first aiders.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
We have ramp access throughout the castle as well as disabled toilet facilities and handling opportunities for visually impaired visitors.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
We have Team members with a wealth of experience working with Special educational needs groups. We can create bespoke sessions to suit the needs and abilities of any participants.
Anything else?
All our Sessions have been rated overall as 100% Excellent.
"We were all so impressed with the amount of resources available to the children. The pitch of the day was perfect, it provided a challenge to the more able children but was accessible to everyone."
EYFS Teacher - Castle Session - St. Gilberts CofE Primary School - 2017
"An Excellent Experience. The students and teachers that accompanied have been raving about it"
Yr7 Teacher - Battle of Hastings - Catmose College - 2017
"The children (and adults!) were absolutely shattered after a fun-packed day! The adults from the castle were engaging, upbeat and very accommodating. Everything was thought through and matched the curriculum well. I could go on! One of the best trips I have had the pleasure of leading." Yr 2 Teacher Farcet Primary School 2019
Reviews from Schools visiting Oakham Castle!
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