Essential information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Key Stage |
Key Stage 2
|
| Curriculum links |
Careers education
Citizenship
Drama
English
Geography
History
Literacy
|
| Session length | 90 minutes |
| Session times | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10.15-11.45, 12.30-14.00 |
| Capacity | 30 pupils per group |
| Price | Up to 30 pupils - £150. Limited bursaries are available |
Session overview
Introduction
We discuss basic information about Cutty Sark and what is already known about Victorian times. Learners consider reasons why global trade grew during Victorian times and how we find out about the past. Learners are asked to put themselves in the shoes of a Victorian sailor.
Guided tour
To structure a comparison of life today with life as a Victorian sailor, the following categories are used:
- Work and fun
- Food
- Safety
- Friends and family
- Hygiene and clothing
- Fairness and equality
By reading some of his letters, learners get to know Clarence Ray, a Victorian Cutty Sark apprentice. Learners then explore the iconic ship and look for historical evidence of what life was like onboard.
Object handling
The session finishes with examining our handling collection. Learners investigate the artefacts to further deepen their understanding of what life was like for sailors in Victorian times.
Learning objectives
Learners will:
- Develop enquiry skills as they use real-life letters from a Victorian apprentice to find out what life was like on board Cutty Sark, about sailor skills and jobs on board
- Develop an understanding of how historic letters can help us learn about the past
- Handle replica objects to explore Victorian navigation
- Use imagination, creative thinking and simple drama techniques to help build a story and share information and ideas
Curriculum links
KS2 History
- Develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study
- Understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources
- A local history study
Key words
Past, change, cargo, rigging, mast, navigation, communication, artefacts, chronology, plimsoll line, sailor, captain, hierarchy, historical evidence
Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities
Introduce different roles on a historic sailing ship to spark curiosity about life at sea. (e.g. captain, sailor, cook, carpenter). Encourage them to think about what skills they would need and what challenges they might face.
Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities
Invite learners to write a letter from the perspective of a young sailor on board Cutty Sark. What were their daily duties? How did they feel during the long voyage and what challenges did they face? What did they miss most about home and what incredible things did they see?