Ancient High House School Tour Information
The Ancient High House
Greengate Street
Stafford.
ST16 2JA
Tel: 01785 619131
Stafford's Heritage - The School Tours Package
Dear School Visits Organiser,
Here is the latest information about the Ancient High House School Tours Package. We cater for primary age and upwards, with tours tailored for the History Curriculum at various Key Stages - our activities and tours are designed to be cross curricular - incorporating History, Maths, English, Geography, Design Technology and Art.
Built in 1595, the High House is not only a splendid example of Elizabethan architecture, but also the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from this date. We offer a selection of tours, which can be tailored to your school's individual needs. By prior arrangement, teachers are welcome to come on a familiarisation visit to discuss their needs and to see the range of facilities that the High House can offer.
Our educational provision is particularly relevant to Life in Tudor Times. The tours and activities we provide all relate to this topic. Activities are carried out by experienced costumed guides, and can easily be incorporated in a study of Local History. 'Hands-on' experience is actively encouraged during school visits. Children can handle a variety of replica Tudor Objects, including timber joints and household items, as well as participating in fun educational workshops.
Discovery Boxes containing replica Tudor items are available to schools to borrow for a small fee and a returnable deposit for two weeks before the date of the visit. A Resource Pack is available, covering topics such as 'Stafford in Tudor Times', 'The architecture of the High House' and 'Costume in Tudor Times'. The cost is £4.50 per pack.
Please read through the enclosed information. If you would like more information about School Tours, please contact the School Tours Co-ordinator at the Ancient High House on 01785 619131.
Activities - Cross Curriculum
Pomander Making
Children will discover why pomanders were used in Tudor times and how they were made. They will then have the opportunity to create pomanders to their own design using oranges, cloves, a mixture of spices and colourful ribbons. History, Geography, Design and Technology and Art combined.
Calligraphy
Quill pens, ink, parchment style paper and sealing wax are used to allow children to understand writing in the Tudor period. Children will write their own name using these materials and create a bookmark to take home. History, English, Design Technology and Art in one fun lesson.
Wattle and Daub
Using a wooden frame, and willow twigs, children can weave their own wattle and coat it with an authentic looking daub. Hands on History and Design Technology.
Coin Minting
Children will have the chance to mint their very own half groat. Under close supervision they will have the opportunity to learn how to use a hammer and authentic coin minting apparatus. They will learn the coin making process and the value of money in the Tudor period. History, Maths and Design Technology in one hit!
Tudor Kitchen
Have fun role playing the parts of rich and poor Tudor people. Children can dress in ruffs, aprons and some in full costume. Buy food and learn how it was cooked in Tudor times; and lay a table for a rich person and a poor person. A taste of History and Maths
-----------------------------------------------
Time Walk Tour (For Key Stage 1)
Step back in time with a history tour aimed at a younger audience. Start at the present day and go back in time. Visit the Edwardians, Victorians, Georgians, Stuarts and Tudors. Activities can be included.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Lunch Arrangements
Packed lunches may be eaten in the Ancient High House. Please notify us if your group wishes to bring lunches. In fine weather, lunches may be eaten in the churchyard to the rear of the building.
Drop Off / Pick Up Points
Groups may be dropped off and collected to the rear of the Ancient High House on Earl Street. Please contact us if you require a map.
Special Needs
If you are unable to visit the Ancient High House we will bring the House to you! Due to the nature of the building we are unfortunately unable to accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. However we offer an outreach service - staff in period costume will bring the Ancient High House to your school. They will tell you amazing facts and interesting stories about Tudor times. They will bring the Tudor period to life with costumes for you to dress in and all sorts of interesting artefacts for you to see and handle. Children will also experience the Tudor activities listed in the tours package. Please contact us for details.
Opening Times
The Ancient High House is open all year round for pre-booked school tours:
Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm
(Tours can begin earlier if required)
Gift and Souvenir Shop
A wide selection of educational and local interest books are available in our souvenir shop alongside gifts to suit all ages and pockets.
Payment
Cheques should be made payable to Stafford Borough Council. Please note that there is no charge for teachers or assistants
STAFFORD'S HERITAGE - A GUIDE FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS
ANCIENT HIGH HOUSE
Type of Tour Duration Price per pupil
Guided General One and a half hours £3.40
Guided Tudor One hour £3.40
Activities:
The tours package includes two of the activities listed below with the exception of pomanders which can be added at a cost of £1 per person. Additional activities can also be added at the cost below.
Calligraphy 45minutes (0.50p)
Wattle & Daub 30minutes (0.50p)
Coin Minting 30minutes (0.50p)
Tudor Kitchen 60minutes (0.50p)
Pomander Making 30minutes (£1.00)
Please allow extra time if you would like your group to visit the gift and souvenir shop.
History Tour for Key Stage 1
Time Walk Tour One hour (£1.70)
Discovery boxes can be hired for £10 secured with a refundable £5 deposit
Ancient High House School Tours Booking Form
* This is an Acrobat document. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.
The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded from www.adobe.com
* To view the Ancient High House School Tours Booking Form, please select the link.