Essential information

Location
Key Stage
Early Years Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1
Curriculum links
Art
Communication
Drama
English
History
Literacy
Session length 60 minutes
Session times Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10.15-11.15, 12:30-13:30
Capacity 30 pupils per group
Price Up to 30 pupils - £150. Limited bursaries are available

Session overview

Introduction 

Learners are introduced to what Cutty Sark is and when it sailed. 

Storytelling activity

With song, dance, and drama, learners take part in a retelling of Robert Burns’ poem Tam O’ Shanter and uncover how Nannie the Witch became Cutty Sark’s figurehead. 

Figurehead activity

Learners examine the figurehead display, deciding which one is their favourite. They are encouraged to think about what figurehead they’d want on their own ship. 

Ship exploration

As a class, learners explore the ship using one of our self-guided Story Ship trails. Groups are given a take-away figurehead craft activity.

Learning objectives

Learners will:

  • Develop communication, language and literacy skills
  • Use imagination, creative thinking, song and movement to help recreate a story 
  • Discover and explore a local London landmark

Curriculum links

KS1 History

  • Develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time.
  • Know where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods
  • Ask and answer questions
  • Understand some of the ways in which we find out about the past

 KS1-6 English: Spoken Language

  • Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates
  • Listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers

Key words

Figureheads, cargo, ship, tea, travel, sea, China, Australia, sailor, captain

Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities

Know what a cargo ship is. Show London, China and Australia on a map and introduce the idea that people once sailed there to trade things like tea. 

Explain how Cutty Sark is now a landmark in London.

Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities

Learners can make their own figurehead with the craft kit supplied. 

We encourage schools to continue to build vocabulary through fun movement, themed actions and commands/ship-related verbs and roles. 

Play a game: 'Captain Says' (like Simon Says). Captain says: "Hoist the sails!" Captain says: "Sip your tea!"