We can visit your school in: East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North West, Yorkshire, Wales
Why
book 'Victorians' with Marvellous History Ltd
Our workshops are run by professional costumed specialists with years of experience in school settings. We don't "stand at the front and talk", we expect the children (and teachers!) to get involved and really feel what it was like to live in Victorian times.
Our Victorian workshops cover the period from Victoria's ascension to the throne in 1837 to her death in 1901. It was a time when Britannia ruled the waves yet children had to work in factories and up chimneys; a time of great wealth and equally great poverty: workhouses and slums, especially in the cities, but also great works of engineering with railways, iron bridges and steam ships. Keeping a stiff upper lip was essential, especially if you were a Victorian child at school, where you might get a beating if you misbehaved! Many people look back on the Victorian age as a golden time for Britain, but was it really?
We bring authentically made replica artefacts into school and our costumed workshop leaders will give you a day full of fun activities and hands-on experiences.
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What activities are available during this educational workshop?
Victorian Workshop
Our workshops are designed to give a good overall view of the Victorian age, inspiring children with practical activities and hands-on exploration. We can give you a great starting point, a boost in the middle of the topic or a fantastic end and round up of the period.
These workshops can be run from a particular focus, e.g. science, literature or the life of a Victorian child, or can give an overview of the whole period.
Topics covered could include:
Electricity! Radio! Cars! Amazing inventions of the Victorian Age
The British Empire: how did one little island come to rule half the world?
Victorian food: rotten meat, calves heads and squashed ducks!
Life as a Victorian child: school, work and play (if you’re lucky)
Around the world in 80 days: marvels and adventures far off lands
Victorian archaeology and history – watch out for the Mummy’s curse!
Developments in biology and medicine
Who made Man? Darwin’s theory and the battle between science and religion
Victorian Engineers: the steam ships, railways, bridges and tunnels that connected the world
Could you survive a Victorian Workhouse?
Clothing and cloth production
Ghosts, spirits and monsters! Victorian supernatural fiction (great for Halloween!)
We can also include any specific topic focus or questions that you are working on, just let us know!
Which Curriculum Subjects do you cater for?
Victorian
Crime and PunishmentQueen VictoriaFactories and The WorkhouseRailwaysChildhood and SchoolsFlorence NightingaleInventionsToysFlorence Nightingale
Our workshops are designed to give a good overall view of the Victorian age, inspiring children with practical activities and hands-on exploration. We can give you a great starting point, a boost in the middle of the topic or a fantastic end and round up of the period.
Topics covered could include:
Electricity! Radio! Cars! Amazing inventions of the Victorian Age
The British Empire: how did one little island come to rule half the world?
Victorian food: rotten meat, calves heads and squashed ducks!
Life as a Victorian child: school, work and play (if you’re lucky)
Around the world in 80 days: marvels and adventures far off lands
Victorian archaeology and history – watch out for the Mummy’s curse!
Developments in biology and medicine
Who made Man? Darwin’s theory and the battle between science and religion
Victorian Engineers: the steam ships, railways, bridges and tunnels that connected the world
Could you survive a Victorian Workhouse?
Clothing and cloth production
Ghosts, spirits and monsters! Victorian supernatural fiction (great for Halloween!)
Toys
Our workshops provide an engaging overview of the Victorian era, inspiring children with hands-on activities and interactive exploration. Whether you need a dynamic introduction, a mid-topic boost, or a memorable conclusion to the period, we’re here to enhance your students’ experience!
Topics we can cover include:
Electricity, radio, and cars: incredible inventions from the Victorian Age
The British Empire: how did a small island nation come to rule much of the world?
Victorian cuisine: from spoiled meat to calves’ heads and more!
Childhood in Victorian times: schooling, labor, and leisure (for the lucky ones)
Around the World in 80 Days: thrilling journeys to distant lands
Victorian archaeology: watch out for the curse of the mummy!
Advances in biology and medicine
The evolution debate: Darwin’s theory and the clash of science vs. faith
Marvels of engineering: steamships, railways, bridges, and tunnels connecting the world
Could you survive life in a Victorian workhouse?
Clothing and textile production
Ghosts, spirits, and supernatural tales: Victorian horror stories (perfect for Halloween!)
What size groups do you cater for?
From small SEN and home-school groups to week-long whole-school history festivals, we can tailor activities to all ages and stages of learning.
One day workshops cater to groups of up to 90 but larger groups can be accommodated upon request.
How does safeguarding work for online workshops?
Online workshops are hosted by us with a costumed character and our moderator who can help the children ask questions etc. with the assistance of the teacher. Sessions are not recorded unless by the specific request of the school.
All sessions are private and locked, with only pre-arranged attendees allowed into the room. If children are dialling in from home due to sickness etc., then a parent of responsible adult must be in attendance at the location of the child.
What technology/devices/type of internet connection do schools need for an online workshop?
We usually use Zoom or Googlemeets but can consider other platforms if necessary. The school will need a stable internet connection at a suitable speed in order to run the session. Each session lasts one hour with a few minutes beforehand to check the connection.
The school will need to provide a suitable webcam and audio system to enable the children to see, hear and respond to the online character.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, we have a wide range of practical hands-on activities and games that are suitable for SEN children and those with disabilities. We will also work with you to plan the day and take into account any special considerations so that all children can access the day to their full ability.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Yes, we have a wide range of practical hands-on activities and games that are suitable for SEN children and those with disabilities.. We will also work with you to plan the day and take into account any special considerations so that all children can access the day to their full ability.
Anything else?
We work at all key-stages from pre-school to university and everything in between. We can even organise INSET activities to help you prepare for the topic, or provide team-building days for your staff.
Contact us now for more information and a no-obligation, all-in quotation with no hidden costs.
Who are Marvellous History Ltd?
Marvellous History (previously known as Viking School Visits Ltd) have been providing high quality interactive history workshops since 2012. Due to high demand we are now offering a wider range of workshops from Prehistoric to World War II.
Experienced, professional historical interpreters will come to your school, bringing a wide range of replica artefacts and engage your children with activities to stimulate quality creative work for the rest of the topic.
We work to the highest standards of authenticity and constantly update our knowledge of the latest research into the period. Then we take that knowledge and disseminate it in inventive and child-friendly ways so that historical concepts are clearly understood by your class. We also understand how important it is to encourage enquiry skills with plenty of question time for the children to dig deeper into their own learning.
DBS checked staff and insured to £10M PLI, we also have a central point of contact and dedicated admin staff. A simple, clear booking system and thorough pre-visit organisation allows the day to go without a hitch!
Experienced with all ages and abilities, we can also cater for SEND settings and Home School groups.
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