Housed in the magnificent Boathouse 6, Action Stations offers a wide range of interactive displays and completes the Dockyard story by bringing visitors within reach of today's modern high-tech Royal Navy.
Historic Re-enactments
Historic Re-enactments
What is it?
Historic re-enactments are both educational and entertaining. Typically the re-enactments take the form of dressing up in a style from the past in order to focus on a particular theme or time period. These can take the form of participation events such as mock trials, industrial workplaces or Victorian schoolroom sessions through to observations of major rehearsed re-enactments such as battles. Battle re-enactments often take the form of combat demonstrations, which are generally performed by a company to members of the public and are loosely based around actual events with costumes, armour and weapons from the period in use.
What does it involve?
The level of involvement differs depending on whether you would like to get your pupils involved in the re-enactment or not. If you are to be involved in the re-enactment then you will be brief by a member of the re-enactment team on what is expected of the pupils prior to the event. Pupils will often dress in appropriate clothing for the time period they are re-enacting and will learn historical facts as the re-enactment takes place. If you are watching a re-enactment you will simply sit and observe the show whilst learning about the specific topic, often being narrated by members of the performing troupe.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Watching re-enactments will help students to learn about a given time period. Having a visual of a specific topic is far better than simply reading about it. Better still actually involving students in the re-enactment will help all pupils recall facts especially helping kinaesthetic learners. There is also a lot of fun to be had in the dressing up!
What equipment do we need?
As with most activities where you visit an establishment to try it, the venue should provide the majority of the equipment you'll need to participate. You should always check beforehand though, as some places may ask you come dressed appropriately for the specific activity.
Who is it suitable for?
Watching an historic re-enactment is a suitable activity for children of all ages. If the pupils are to be partaking in the re-enactment then activity is only suitable for children in key stage 2 and upwards.
Costs?
The cost of a re-enactment varies depending on the amount of pupils you wish to take and whether you will be watching or partaking in the activity. The length of the re-enactment session will also have an impact on cost. Some venue such as castles and museums hold regular re-enactments so it may be worth looking at tying in your trip with a visit to an educational venue. Please research various providers in your area to find the best value offering.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Simply watching an historic re-enactment poses little to no risk however some students may be sensitive to particular realistic recreations of battle scenes. If you are partaking in a re-enactment it is important to listen to any safety briefings given by the organisation. As with any school trip it is important you take any student specific medication with you if the re-enactment takes place off the premises.
How do we include?
Many venues now cater for pupils with physical disabilities. Please consult specific venues in your area to find out more about what they are set up for.
Doing it abroad?
There is a very big historical re-enactment scene in the united states however they often focus on events relevant to American history so may not be relevant to the Curriculum.
Main website:
For more information on Historic re-enactments please click here.
It is a good idea to research venues in your area before the trip.
Venues with this Activity
The museum is housed in a grade B+ Sovereign's House. The Eagle Takers Gallery won the Best Exhibition in Ireland in 2003. The collection contains the uniforms, medals, regalia and the two Victoria Crosses won by the Regiment. The Regimental archive and library may be viewed by appointment.
The RPSI is an all-island body, run by volunteers, which preserves steam and diesel powered railway locomotives, carriages and other equipment from all over Ireland and uses them for passenger excursions on the Irish railway network. RPSI steam trains carry passengers to places as far apart as Portrush and Tralee, Rosslare and Bangor.
Remains of a Roman camp with visitor & community centre open Tuesdays and Wednesdays with artefacts, handling collection, mystery excavation, dressing up clothes, activity packs and facilitated visits available.
Segontium was later plundered to provide stone for Edward I's castle at Caernarfon.
Facilitated education activity: Life of a Roman Soldier.
Foxhunting, Stilton Cheese and pork pies, local history, sporting art and much, much more!
Melton Carnegie Museum re-opened fully in late 2010 following a major building project which has created a new state-of-the-art gallery, study area and community space for museum activities, schools, volunteers and community groups.
If you are looking for something new to do with kids then why not try a self guided, themed Treasure Trail! They offer an imaginative and fun way to explore, and learn about, the great outdoors.
The answers to the clues are located on existing monuments, buildings and structures: some are easy to find, some are a little bit trickier!
For a fascinating day out on the Kent coast look no further than Deal Castle.
Built by the order of King Henry VIII it is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and among the earliest and most elaborate of a chain of coastal forts, which also includes Calshot, Camber, Walmer and Pendennis Castles.
A love of show business and steam
Thursford Collection is a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer shows, a silent movie theatre and old fashioned fairground carousels. There are also static displays of both fairground engines and road engines plus all kinds of related memorabilia. Ride on beautifully restored gallopers and gondolas and hear the music of the mighty Wurlitzer.
With a history dating back over 1350 years, Peterborough Cathedral is a storehouse of archaeological, architectural, cultural, musical and artistic treasures for visitors to discover and enjoy.
Something new to discover at every turn
History comes to life at Mont Orgueil Castle, which for 600 years protected Jersey against French invasion. Explore the network of staircases, towers and secret rooms to discover hidden treasures. Please note, the main gate access to the castle may be closed due to building work. There is alternative access from the footpath along Gorey Pier.
Where history comes alive
Built on a rocky islet in St Aubin's Bay, Elizabeth Castle defended Jersey for more than 400 years. The castle is accessible at low tide by foot or the castle ferry.
Discover six centuries of Jersey’s rural life at Hamptonne Country Life Museum. Dating back to the 15th century the house and farm are brought to life with characters from the Island’s past.
Built originally by Llywelyn the Great, taken and remodelled by Edward I then sacked by Owain Glyndwr, the castle sits in an impressive location, overlooking Cardigan Bay with views to nearby Harlech Castle. We also provide Medieaval Treasure Chest handling and self-led activity packs on Castles, English and Science, Technology and Mathematics.
IWM Duxford is Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield, with a fascinating history that dates back to the First World War. Its story reflects the landmark achievements made in aviation history.
Built by William the Conqueror, Rockingham was a royal fortress for 450 years. Home to the Saunders Watson family. Set in a panoramic location with views over five counties, the Castle has magnificently furnished rooms of several periods, and is surrounded by 18 acres of superbly contrasting gardens including a beautiful Room Garden created by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner Robert Myers.
Natural History - Heritage - Living Voices
A unique museum in a row of extraordinary 15th century timber framed buildings. Explore the countryside with our natural history collection and come face to face with some of the country’s most secretive animals. Be inspired by the writings of John Moore, a renowned conservationist, and enjoy the seclusion of the Secret Garden.
Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses earlier owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I.
Although this vast mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always in the forefront of new ideas about architecture and design.
The Centre, opened in 1999, forms the focus for activities based on the 8th Century earthwork built by Offa, the King of Mercia. The dyke follows the Welsh English border from the hills above Prestatyn to the Severn Estuary near Chepstow.
In the heart of Rob Hood country, take a walk to the mighty Major Oak, pick up a fun family nature trail, try the playground or just stand and admire the weird and wonderful shapes of the ancient oak trees, twisted by age and weathered into living sculptures.
In the Lake District in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.
Lepe Country Park has a wonderful mix of habitats for you to explore; discover what lives along the shore, bird watch over the Solent, North Solent National Nature Reserve and Dark Water Estuary, spot a variety of insects attracted to our wildflower meadows or stroll along the cliff top lined with Monterey and Corsican Pines.
Going to school has never been such fun!
A museum of education in a unique complex of historic classrooms. Children of all ages can dress up in period costume to explore the classrooms, practice their writing in sand trays and on slates, play with Victorian toys and visit the Headmaster’s House to experience Victorian domestic life.
A visit to the Secret Hills exhibition will reveal some of the stories hidden in the landscape. You can meet their mammoth and pretend what life was like in the Iron Age.
The exhibition's centre-piece, a panoramic film shot from a hot air balloon, lets you look at this stunning area from a unique perspective.
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