Ancient High House School Tour Information
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The Ancient High House
Tel: 01785 619131 |
Stafford's Heritage - The School Tours Package
Dear School Visits Organiser,
Enclosed is the latest information about the Ancient High House School Tours Package. Our tours are tailored for the Curriculum at various Key Stages and are designed to be cross-curricular, incorporating History, English, Science, Design and 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 suit 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 programme is particularly relevant to QCA KS1/2 History Unit 8 'The differences between rich and poor in Tudor times'. The tours and activities we provide all relate to this unit. Activities are carried out by experienced costumed guides, and can easily be incorporated in a study of Local History. Our tours can also be an excellent starting point for QCA KS1/2 Art and Design Unit 9 'Visiting a museum', or QCA KS1/2 History Unit 18 'What was it like to live here in the past'.
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A '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 for schools to borrow for a small fee and a returnable deposit. The discovery box also includes a resource pack, covering topics such as 'Stafford in Tudor Times', 'The architecture of the High House' and 'Costume in Tudor Times'. If you wish to purchase this resource pack separately from the gift shop, the price is £4.50. |
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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
Pomander MakingChildren will discover why pomanders were used in Tudor times and how they were made. They will then have the opportunity to create a pomander to their own design using oranges, cloves, a mixture of spices and colourful ribbons. This activity supports:
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CalligraphyQuill pens, ink, parchment style paper and sealing wax are used to allow children to understand writing in the Tudor period. Children will have the chance to write their own name using these materials and create a bookmark to take home. This activity supports:
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Wattle and DaubUsing a wooden frame, and willow twigs, children can weave their own wattle and coat it with an authentic looking daub. This activity supports:
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Coin MintingChildren 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. This activity supports:
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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. Learn about different food and how it was cooked in Tudor times as well as laying a table for a rich person and a poor person.
This activity supports:
QCA KS1/2 History Unit 8
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.
This tour supports:
QCA KS1/2 History Units 18 and 2
Additional information
Lunch Arrangements
Packed lunches may be eaten in the Ancient High House. Please notify us if your group wishes to do so. 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
Many of our activities are multi-sensory so provide an excellent experience for special needs students. If, however, 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. We do, however, offer an outreach service whereby staff in period costume will bring the Ancient High House to your school. They will bring the Tudor
period to life with costumes for children to dress in and all sorts of interesting artefacts for them 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 Saturday 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
The Ancient High House
| Type of Tour | Time Recommended | Price per Pupil |
| Guided General | One and a half hours | £3.50 |
| Guided Tudor | One hour | £3.50 |
Activities:
The tours package price 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.
| Type of Tour | Time Recommended | Price per Pupil |
| Calligraphy | 45 minutes | (0.50p) |
| Wattle & Daub | 30 minutes | (0.50p) |
| Coin Minting | 30 Minutes | (0.50p) |
| Tudor Kitchen | 60 minutes | (0.50p) |
| Pomander Making | 30 minutes | £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
| Type of Tour | Time Recommended | Price per Pupil |
| Time Walk Tour | One and a half hours | £3.50 |
Discovery boxes can be hired for £10 secured with a refundable £5 deposit.