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CASTLES & COURTS

Learn about medieval castles – why and how they were built, their structure, the people who lived and worked in them, the weapons and armour used and how to attack or defend them.

SUITABILITY

PS 2-5

KS 1-4

DESCRIPTION

Cardiff Castle has dominated the landscape for centuries, but how was it built and who actually lived here? Find out more about the workings of a medieval court. What was it like to live in a castle and what did it take to be a medieval knight or lady?

Your workshop will be taken by a DBS-checked, professional costumed facilitator.

DURATION

The workshop will last for 60 minutes. The guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes though a shorter tour can be taken for younger children who may find the spiral stairs in one of the towers difficult to negotiate. There will be time allowed for lunch and to take advantage of the other aspects that are included in the visit (see below).

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, your pupils will have:

  • Learnt about the construction and layout of castles
  • Learnt about the different people who lived in a castle
  • Learnt about different styles of armour that would have been used by three common types of soldier – archers, spearmen and knights
  • Learnt about some of the methods of attack on the battlefield and why different types of armour and weapons were good for specific purposes
  • Developed an understanding of the past and historical investigation.
  • Learning outcomes and what is covered during sessions will depend on the age, needs and range of the pupils. However, by the end of the session, pupils of all ages will have:
  • Learnt the difference between original and replica items.
Links to the National Curriculum

Cynefin

Humanities (PS 2-5 – Wales)

  • Enquiry, exploration, and investigation inspire curiosity about the world, it’s past, present, and future.
  • Events and human experiences are complex and are perceived, interpreted, and represented in different ways.
  • Our natural world is diverse and dynamic, influenced by processes and human actions.

EYFS/KS1 (England)

  • Events beyond living memory.

History – Key Stage 2 (England)

  • A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066.

History – KS3 (England)

What Else is Included in Your Visit

  • A guided tour of the House. The tour takes pupils to some of the highly decorated rooms that date from the Victorian period. The designs reflect the architect’s vision of how the interior of a medieval Castle would have been.
  • Use of the Audio Guide that has been written especially for children (downloadable in advance).
  • Access to areas of the Grounds including the Keep, the Battlements and Wartime Shelters.
  • A Visit to Firing Line – Museum of the Welsh Soldier (Military Museum in the Interpretation Centre). Please note: Firing Line is independently managed, and any activities offered are not a part of Cardiff Castle’s Education Service. Visits may not be possible on certain days or may incur an additional charge.

Telephone

029 2087 8110

Email

education@cardiff.gov.uk

Enquiry: The Normans / Medieval

Please let our Education Office know if you have any questions about the The Normans / Medieval workshop.