I find it doesn’t take much to gain the attention of children when teaching about the Tudors in key stage 2 as they are genuinely fascinated by Henry VIII and his contemporaries.
However, an unusual workshop organised by Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, which included Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh among 50 portraits borrowed from the National Portrait Gallery, added extra dimensions which entranced our pupils. Former history teacher Keith Gregson led the workshop and added music and song to the mix.
Michael Simpson
Year 5 class teacher, Ryhope Junior School, Sunderland
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens: www.twmuseums.org.uksunderlandwhatshere.php
National Portrait gallery: www.npg.org.ukliveindex.asp
