Guided by an artist educator, discover how contemporary Black artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare CBE convey important messages about diversity and citizenship in their work. Analyse famous artworks up close and make comparisons between historical and contemporary pieces around themes of equality and representation. Respond to artworks through creative written and spoken tasks and collect ideas together to create a collaborative outcome.  

Pupils will: 

• analyse famous artworks. 

• Discuss how leading contemporary artists are exploring issues of diversity and citizenship.  

• communicate and present ideas effectively through practical creative writing and spoken word tasks. 

• Broaden understanding of Black British history.

How did transatlantic slavery change life around the Atlantic? This enquiry day supports students to use a range of primary and secondary sources and museum handling collections in order to explore the history of the transatlantic slave trade, its impact around the Atlantic and the ongoing legacies of enslavement. 

Students will:  

• develop historical enquiry skills in the unique context of the Museum  

• handle replica objects, investigate rare manuscripts and examine historic artefacts in our ‘Atlantic Worlds’ gallery  

• reflect upon the significance of this shocking history and the legacies in the present day. 

How did England defeat the Spanish Armada? Are there other explanations for its failure? This enquiry day supports students to delve into the Museum’s unique collections and archives to question why the Spanish Armada failed and if the English actually won. KS3 students will investigate the myths behind the Armada and use these to question whether England actually did defeat Spain. GCSE students will seek to evaluate why the Armada failed with reference to key themes highlighted in their course specification and use different forms of evidence, including the ‘Armada Portrait’, Spanish court documents and handling objects, to acquire multiple perspectives on the Armada and ultimately explain its failure and legacies. 

Students will:  

• develop historical enquiry skills using primary and secondary sources including original archives and artefacts  

• have the opportunity to get up-close to the iconic ‘Armada Portrait’ of Queen Elizabeth I and explore the ‘Tudor and Stuart Seafarers’ gallery  

• debate and discuss the evidence they gather with their fellow classmates 

How did British trade with Asia result in a British Empire? This enquiry day supports students to explore this complex history through handling objects and investigating unique archive collections to consider its contemporary legacies, with a particular focus on India and the East India Company. 

Students will:  

• use enquiry and critical thinking skills to ask how and why the British Empire expanded from trade to imperial control  

• consider the consequences of the British Empire for individuals, communities and cultures in Europe and Asia  

• analyse museum archives, artefacts and gallery content as part of their research process 

NEW SESSION STARTING IN JANUARY 2022

This new session is designed to support students studying Migration as part of their GCSE History Course and will include the chance to investigate archival materials, object handling and museum collections. 

Contact bweddell@rmg.co.uk directly for more information or to express interest in taking part in a pilot session.

These sessions are a chance to work with a member of our learning team and consider A level topics and units by investigating handling collections, original archival materials and museum collections. Sessions can be adapted to meet specific specification needs. 

Previous sessions have included:

• The early growth of the British Empire
• The Navy and Conflict in British society
• Technology at Sea that changed the world
• Anglo Dutch Conflict and Mercantilism
• The Spanish Armada and the Sea in Elizabethan England

Contact bweddell@rmg.co.uk directly if you are interested in discussing a topic.