Historical Interpretations Hands on History Workshops North of England

We are probably the largest supplier of activity days for schools and museums in the north of England, and have been re-creating exciting history in schools since the early 1990’s. We teach around 14,000 children each year.

Primarily we teach in schools, but we have given historical and craft demonstrations for Time Team, universities, English Heritage, Forestry Commission, local authorities and museums including Jorvik Viking Centre, Yorkshire Museum, Royal Armouries, and Great North Museum.

WHY US?

• Full time professionals registered for income tax.
• Police checked, fully insured and risk assessed.
• Nearly 40 years combined teaching experience working in KS1, 2 & 3.
• Clear knowledge of the History National Curriculum.

HANDS ON ARTEFACTS

We use archaeology as a way of accessing history, and artefacts to bring the past to life. These are of museum quality, authentic, really do work, and used by pupils in handling sessions to connect to the past. The collection is constantly being reviewed, improved and updated. Our background is in reconstruction archaeology. John is a Research Fellow for the University of Kent in Canterbury.

Your feedback consistently rates our artefacts as excellent and you like;

• How easy it is to book a day.
• The way children are highly engaged and stimulated.
• That we are in school for a full day, 8.10am-3pm.
• The knowledge of our presenters.
• That children enjoy learning history using archaeology.
• That we actually teach, interspersed with activities.
• That days are tailored to suit differing abilities.
• That children are able to handle the artefacts.
• The quality and range of resources we provide.
• That days can be tailored to suit every schools timetable and requirements, especially with regard to the new curriculum.

HORSES, UNUSUAL OR DIFFERENT TOPICS

We have a vast collection of artefacts that can be used to bring any history topic to life. We can provide ideas connected with your area, your topic or your curriculum. And we also bring horses in schools for really “wow” days, portraying cavalry throughout history for a day the pupils will never forget.

• History and everyday life.
• Legends and heroes and heroines.
• Horses through History.

Feedback consistently scores our artefacts as 100% excellent.

Historical Interpretations History workshops
Tudor Workshops
ANGLO-SAXON workshops
Vikings Workshops
Romans Workshops
Greek workshops
Stone age workshops
Egptian workshops
Bronze age workshops
Iron age workshops

We are based in York and tend to concentrate our work in the North of England. However we visit Oxford regularly, working with the IRIS Project, helping bring the Classics into schools. On occasion we teach all over the UK, and indeed Europe.

John Conyard

John is a professional reconstructor with 30 years experience, and a Research Associate at the University of Kent at the research centre of Late Antique Archaeology. He was educated at Truro School Cornwall, and the University of Wales Aberystwyth. He set up “Historical Interpretations” in 1992, using archaeology as a medium to teach history in primary schools. The company now teaches 14,000 pupils per year in the north of England using reconstructed artefacts.

John enjoys reconstructing artefacts from all periods of history, but especially the late Roman period. He is the founder member and chair of Comitatus. The society is the leading European group reconstructing the late Roman period. He organises historical events throughout the year for a range of clients, including displays of Roman horsemanship and artillery.

He is particularly interested in late Roman military clothing and equipment. He specialises in Roman saddles and tack, their construction and use. You will often find him on horseback teaching horse archery.

What happens on a School Day?

We cover a wide selection of different periods of history. Days can be altered to suit the needs of the class. The interpreter comes to you for the whole day. They will aim to arrive at school around 8.00 am to allow time to set up and ensure the planned day will meet your expectations. The day finishes at 3.00 pm to allow equipment to be cleared safely before pupils leave.

STONE AGE, BRONZE AGE AND IRON AGE

We will impart a knowledge of Britain through the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, linking historical development to our collection of artefacts.  Covering over 10,000 years we look at stone tools, the development of pottery, farming, houses, woodwork, burial, stone circles and ‘henges’, bronze and iron, ending with lots of Celtic helmets and swords and armour. The pupils love weapons and warfare.

• Stone Age artefacts and tools.
• Cave Painting
• Bronze Age artefacts and tools.
• Iron Age artefacts and tools. Hill forts.
• Burial customs, religion, ritual and henges.
• The British Celts. Weapons and warfare.
• The coming of the Romans, the end of everything?

EGYPTIANS

One of our most popular periods. Our collection of artefacts tends towards the gruesome – and the mummification torso is loved! So prepare yourselves! The day includes:

• Games and pastimes.
• Hieroglyphs and schools.
• Warfare, hunting, and medicine.
• Mummification complete with smells.

GREEKS

A firm favourite. We concentrate on the Classical period, but put it in context by touching on the Bronze Age and Hellenistic Periods. This allows us to look at the myths, the importance of Alexander the Great, and the great scientific discoveries.

• Athens and Sparta, schools and the alphabet.
• Medicine and warfare – very popular!
• Alexander and the Hellenistic world.
• Games of probability and chance.

ROMANS

We have literally tons of museum quality artefacts, armour and equipment. In nearly 360 years of the Roman occupation there were many developments, best understood through studying the military, their dress and beliefs.

• Military dress, armour and equipment.
• Life in the army.  All very popular.
• Religion and gladiators.
• The British Celts and Boudicca.
• Games

ANGLO-SAXONS

We can consider the coming of the English in the so-called 5^th century “invasion period”, or the Anglo Saxon response to the Viking Invasions, through to 1066 and The Battle of Hastings.

• Where they came from and why.
• Death and Fashion – very popular!
• Have a go leatherwork, games and pastimes.
• The Old Germanic Runes and magic.
• Houses, weapons and warfare.

PICTS AND SCOTS

We look at the Picts and Scots in the making of Britain. What their neighbours said, how they looked, the imprint they left on the land and the change to Christianity.

• Who were they and where they lived.
• Surviving in symbols – stone carvings.
• Everyday life.
• Language and writing.
• Weapons and warfare!

VIKINGS

We “de-bunk” the Vikings, and consider them as settlers, raiders and traders. The Danish settlements of Northern England are set against the achievements of the Swedish and Norwegian Vikings in Europe, Iceland, Greenland and America.

• Warfare, trading and crafts.
• Where they came from and why.
• Life in a long house.
• Viking games and sports.
• Runes – make a souvenir.

KNIGHTS AND CASTLES – THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD

We tailor specific medieval days for Key Stage 1, 2 and 3. We can concentrate on Normans, Hastings, Plantagenets, Edward III and the 100 Years War, The Black Death, or the Wars of the Roses.

• Knighthood, chivalry, castles and weapons.
• Clothing, artefacts and materials.
• Schools, music, dancing and games.
• The Art of Hunting. Saint George.
• Alchemy, medicine, witchcraft and the Black Death.

TUDORS

Days can be constructed around King Henry VIII, but often a more general approach is more popular. Tudor dancing is a particular favourite.

• Music – Tudor dancing to live music.
• Differences between rich and poor.
• Navigation and exploration.
• Code breaking and Tudor games.
• Attitudes to crime and medicine.
• Weapons and the Armada.

PIRATES

We concentrate on the 1650-1720 period when piracy was at its height.  Popular with both Key Stage 1 and 2.

• Lots of artefacts to investigate.
• Navigation, treasure and maps.
• Life on board ship.
• Pirates weapons!
• Pirate games.

WORLD WAR I – CENTENARY OF REMEMBRANCE

With the new curriculum schools can now study an aspect or theme in British history post 1066. We have a fantastic collection of artefacts illuminating aspects of the Great War.  The anniversary of World War I will give you a chance to link to local history, war memorials, local drill halls and barracks as well as the regiments involved.

• Why the war started.
• Posters and their interpretation.
• News headlines – period newspapers.
• Trench Games
• Reconstructed and real artefacts from the period
• Uniforms of the period, cavalry and infantry.
• The Western Front and other areas of conflict.
• The topic can link to local history study, considering the role of local regiments and their place in the local community.

WORLD WAR II – THE HOME FRONT – REMEMBRANCE

This day is a great way of starting the topic. The interpreter comes to you dressed in genuine 1940’s clothing, and the children love exploring the period uniforms.

• Learn from period newspapers and posters.
• The Battle of the Atlantic – enigma codes and rationing.
• The Blitz, aircraft recognition blackout, air raids and shelters.
• Uniforms and helmets to explore.

THE COST

The interpreter comes to you for the whole day. They will aim to arrive at school around 8.00 am to allow time to set up and ensure the planned day will meet your expectations. The day finishes at 3.00 pm, to allow equipment to be cleared safely before pupils leave.

Quotations are based upon the number of children, mileage and specific requirements, with a cost ceiling for larger schools.

The cost is calculated on the basis of:

£6.50 per child, per day

A minimum fee does apply. Quotes for two classes can work out cheaper and we often work with two or three classes at a time using a hall space.

We are cheaper than the cost of hiring a driver, bus, and visiting an attraction for just a few hours. 100% of Feedback tells us our days are excellent value for money.

When booking your day we will help you explore all your various options. For example a full day can be constructed from two half-day presentations e.g. Saxons in the morning, Vikings in the afternoon.

SPECIAL OFFER

Many schools loyally book us several times a year.

You can benefit from a repeat booking 10% discount. (Minimum charges still apply). All bookings must be made at the same time.

Please ring 01904 704357 for a free quotation.

TESTIMONIALS

“A wonderful selection of artefacts and activities, incredible subject knowledge – the children haven’t stopped talking about it!”

Victoria Dock Primary School – Roman Day

“The handling of artefacts and all the ‘hands-on’ activities were very engaging and informative”

Old Bank Junior, Infants and Nursery – Viking Day

“John knew such a lot and presented it all in such an interesting way. The handling artefacts part of the day was superb – there was a real buzz as the children talked about the artefacts and tried to work out what they were.”

Reinwood Junior School – Greek Day

“Children commented on how everything was made interesting by voice and subject knowledge. Enjoyed the whole day – staff and children alike.”

Seven Hills Primary School – Tudor Day

“All the day was excellent and introduced our topic well.”

Newlands Primary School – World War II Day

“The range of artefacts really brought the era to life.”

St Alban C.E. Primary School – Greek Day

“Very knowledgeable – engaged well with the children and valued their questions and answers.”

Ward Green Primary School – Viking Day

“A good introduction to the topic. Ideas used on the day can be extended into other history lessons as well as other subjects including art, science, etc”

Holy Name Primary School – Greek Day

“Children absolutely loved it all and as for me I learnt alot!! A great day – full of information, fun and fascinating facts and stories! Thank you.”

St Urban’s Catholic Primary School – Greek Day

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are you CRB checked?

Yes we are police checked, fully insured and risk assessed.

How much does it cost?

Quotations depend on the number of children, mileage and specific requirements, with a cost ceiling for larger schools.

The cost is calculated on the basis of: £6.50 per child per day

A minimum fee does apply. Quotes for two classes can work out cheaper and we can present to groups of over 120. However smaller groups are often even more enjoyable.

We are cheaper than the cost of hiring a driver, bus, and visiting an attraction for just a few hours. 100% of Feedback Forms rate our days as excellent or good value for money.

Can I book half days?

Yes, but it is more cost effective to book a full day.

Can you do more than one period of history in a day?

Yes. When booking your day we will help you explore all your various options. For example a full day can be constructed from two half-day presentations e.g. Saxons in the morning, Vikings in the afternoon.

What you can expect:

Booking a day is simplicity itself. After a phone call or email we can arrange a date to suit you. We discuss the areas of curriculum you would like us to cover, your school timetable, parking arrangements, the possible use of halls and methods of payment.

Once booked we will send you a confirmation letter, including a draft timetable. A week before your booking we will telephone to make sure everything is clear and there are no last minute issues. We aim to make your day as good as possible.

For a free quote and further information, please contact: –

JOHN CONYARD

E-mail: jconyard@talktalk.net

Tel. 01904 704357 (07904 322728)

http://www.historicalinterpretations.net