Essential information

Location
Key Stage
Key Stage 2
Curriculum links
English
History
Session length 90 minutes
Session times Wednesday, 10.30-12.00, 13:00-14:30
Session dates 11 November, 9 December, 10 February, 10 March, 12 May, 9 June, 14 July
Capacity 30 pupils per group
Price £90 per session, free for Greenwich and Lewisham state schools

Session overview

Introduction

Learners are introduced to the idea that everything in the collection is related in some way to the sea. Also, everything is carefully recorded, so nothing gets lost. Except, apparently, there’s a mystery story store where objects don’t have a place, you can touch them, and a Storyteller lives there. The class is subdivided into two groups for the next two activities, which both groups do. 

Mystery Story Store

The mystery story store is a magical space in one of the collection stores where one can open drawers, handle objects and play a musical instrument. It is also a home for stories. Learners use their discoveries as inspiration for writing their own stories, which can be returned to us to be kept in the store as part of our collection. 

3D Object Store

Learners are also invited into the stores where they can see historic objects, find out about their history and use these as starting points for their creative writing ideas. Learners are encouraged to take notes and plan during the session, and these notes can then be taken back into school as inspiration. 

Learning objectives

Learners will:

  • Develop historical enquiry skills
  • Plan, discuss and record ideas for creative writing
  • Identify audience and purpose for writing
  • Write a high-quality creative story which will go into the collection

Curriculum links

KS2 Writing - Composition

  • Plan writing by noting and developing initial ideas, drawing on reading and research
  • Draft and write in narratives, creating settings, characters and plot 

KS2 Spoken Language

  • Use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining and exploring ideas
  • Participate actively in collaborative conversations, staying on topic and initiating and responding to comments

Key words

Collection, objects, descriptions, setting, protagonist, narrative, story, history, conservation, imaginary

Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities

Discuss the elements that make a good story and create a checklist.

Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities

Use all the ideas gathered in the session to plan and write your own story. Remember the mysterious objects and the intriguing mystery story store. Use the outline plan you created to help fill out the details of your tale.

Useful links

Stories from the Sea

Teaching resources - Centre for Literacy in Primary Education

Writing in Primary Schools - What We Know Works - Centre for Literacy in Primary Education

Resources for early years, primary and secondary schools - National Literacy Trust

Ready to book your visit?

Fill in our enquiry form