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Colchester Castle in your Classroom
With schools up and down the country now shut for most students, due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, Colchester Castle has devised a new distance learning programme, Castle in the Classroom, which brings Colchester Castle directly to the classroom, whether physical or virtual!
Thousands of school children visit Colchester Castle each year to step back in time and learn about Colchester’s history. One of the most popular visits is based around the national curriculum and the mighty Romans, a subject intrinsically intertwined with Colchester. As a result of the pandemic, however, Colchester Castle is now able to offer a replacement to physical school visits, so students don’t miss out on this vital part of their learning.
Castle in the Classroom has been developed to deliver high-quality teaching materials for primary school children and provides both entertaining and engaging content without the need to travel.
Packed full of historical content covering the history of Roman Colchester – including a fantastic 360-degree video that enables students to take a ‘virtual’ tour of Colchester Castle, access to a loans box of real and replica artefacts, activity suggestions, teacher packs and goody bags – it’s a vital resource in the current climate.
With two packages to choose from, schools can choose the right pack for their individual needs. Schools can choose from either a digital-only pack or the digital pack with the addition of a loans box to be used in the classroom. With prices starting from just £5 per child or £80 per class, it’s a great way for teachers and schools to offer a slice of normality for primary school students.
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Children really benefit from hands-on learning and school trips to historic venues such as Colchester Castle really help history come to life in young minds.
“During these difficult times, the team at the Castle are determined for children to not miss out on this type of learning. Students are guided around the Castle by experts and a 360-degree video, enabling them to step back in time and learn about our ancestors from their homes or a classroom.
“We hope to see those smiling faces once more at the Castle, as soon as Government restrictions are lifted, but for now students can access the Castle through Castle in the Classroom.”
To find out more, visit https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/castleintheclassroom/
Contact museums@colchester.gov.uk to find out more and book