Key Stage Two
Sessions at key stage two are designed to support the topics and themes of the national curriculum. These topics are developed with museum objects allowing pupils to explore topics whilst having some fun too!
Please see our Essential Information page for useful information about booking one of our learning sessions. Our learning programme is very popular, so we recommend booking a term in advance.
River Heroes
Delivered in June and July, in partnership with the St Ives Electric Riverboat Company. Become a champion of your local river, the Great Ouse! Explore the impact of littering by creating clay Ouse Monsters, uncover the fascinating lives of our elusive, endangered eels and enjoy a memorable river trip, spotting wildlife and discovering eel passes along the way.
Whole-Day Session – further information
Ousing History
Discover how the River Great Ouse has shaped local history through survival, travel, trade, and leisure, from the Stone Age to the present day. Handle artefacts from across the ages and explore how one period of history flows into the next. Each child receives a paper boat to name and fill different types of “cargo”, from timber to spices and other important goods once transported along the river.
Half or Whole-Day Session – further information
Under the Jurassic Sea
Did you know that 160 million years ago Huntingdonshire was at the bottom on a warm Jurassic Sea? Discover some of the amazing Jurassic reptiles that would have lived here back then by exploring the amazing fossils they left behind. Dig for fossils, work out how fossils are formed and play fossil I-spy in the museum’s gallery.
Half or Whole-Day Session – further information
Prehistoric People
What was it like to live in prehistoric times? Discover how prehistoric people of the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age used the natural tools around them to make tools, clothes and homes. See how their skills developed by handling real artefacts from across the ages. Have a go at carving soap with real flint tools, and making an Iron Age torc out of pipe cleaners to try on with some Iron Age clothing.
Half or Whole-Day Session – further information
What Remains of the Romans?
There is so much more to the Romans than their impressive army! What about the beautiful pots they used and jewellery they wore? Find out what life was like for ordinary people living in Roman Godmanchester, or Durovigutum, as they knew it. Make your own brooch and test it out on some Roman-style clothes, handle and sort real Roman pots and potsherds and more!
Half or Whole-Day Session – further information
St Ives in the 1600s: from Fairs to Flames
Step back into the 1600s during this town walk to discover some of the key events that shaped St Ives. Explore busy markets and riverside trade, follow the path of the Great Fire, and discover how the Civil War changed the town’s bridge forever.
Half-Day Session – further information
Evacuated to St Ives - Ted's Story
Why were children evacuated during the Second World War, and what was life like for them? Guided by the oral history of Ted Smith, who was evacuated from London to St Ives as a child, pupils will discover his experiences of wartime evacuation and life in a new town. Explore real and replica artefacts while weighing rations, playing with wartime toys, and packing an evacuee’s suitcase.
Half or Whole-Day Session – further information
Bridging History: The Story of St Ives Town Walk
Explore St Ives’ famous Bridge Chapel, take turns to stand on the balcony, and find out about its fascinating history. Walk around town and visit some key locations in St Ives’ history. Discover the key role that the bridge has played in the history of St Ives.
Half-Day Session – further information