School Workshops

Designed to delight and spark imagination, exploration and intrigue, our Toy Workshops use the realm of play to encourage children in KS1 and KS2 to learn more about different periods of history and the changing landscape of manufacturing and materials, whilst our accompanying craft sessions allow children to get hands on and put all they have learned into practice. 

For Key Stage 3 & 4 pupils, we offer English and Drama Workshops and Cultural Enrichment Days. These give students a chance to explore the literary history of Penshurst Place, along with performing and creating plays and their own toy theatres within our historic house and gardens.

Toy Workshops

Our Toy Workshops offer a great range of cross curriculum benefits for schools, covering topics for KS1 & KS2 such as Toys through Time, Change and Materials. We offer four sections within a workshop with interactive elements and opportunities for discussion. This includes an object handling session, a craft session, a play session and a visit to the Toy Museum. Object handling gives children a chance to examine and investigate the ages of the toys and the different materials used, developing communication and critical thinking. The crafting and play sessions are both interactive stations for the children to use their creativity and social skills, while the Toy Museum is a great space for children to discover old and new toys and consider the differences and similarities between them.

The total time of the workshops is approx. 2 1/2 hours, with one short break between sessions.

Our Toy Museum offers centuries of toys and pastimes to explore from Georgian dolls to Victorian toy theatres and games, through to 20th century trains and 21st century computer games.

 

Cultural Enrichment Days & English/Drama Workshops

Our Cultural Enrichment Day offers secondary schools the opportunity to take a deeper look into history, creativity and theatre. Supporting KS3/4 Drama, English, Art and History, the day starts with a guided tour of the historic house, followed by visit to the newly reimagined Toy Museum where students can explore a fascinating collection of toys and games, including our 19th century Pollocks Toy Theatre. A presentation on the theatrical stories and literary figures of Penshurst Place is next, with the action then moving to our Garden Room where students will create their own Victorian-style Toy Theatres, complete with programmes and a cast of modern-day actors. Finally, it is out to our Stage Garden with an opportunity to perform their own short interpretation of traditional fairy tales or plays to encourage exploration of themes and performance.

If time is short, a 2-hour workshop concentrating on English and Design for Key Stages 3 and 4 is available. This will include the Drama/Literary presentation, a Toy Museum visit and the creation of the Toy Theatres. Like the primary school programme, there will be time for snack breaks and lunch as well as access to the gardens and grounds for the rest of the day.

 

Whilst You're Here...

After the morning workshop, schools are welcome to enjoy our Gardens, Adventure Playground, and Woodland Trail (weather dependent) which is included within the price.  School groups are also able to book a space for lunch or independent study and extra resources are available on request. There is also a picnic area and seating within the playground if preferred, and a Gift Shop and café available near the playground and Visitor Entrance.

Book Your Visit

Booking an educational trip to Penshurst Place couldn't be easier, simply email us at contactus@penshurstplace.com or give us a call on 01892 870307