Four days’ hard labour

The in-person version of this workshop at The National Archives

This two-hour workshop is led by an experienced history educator in an inspiring learning space at The National Archives in Kew. 

In the workshop students explore the experiences of Victorian people, including children, who were imprisoned. This session strengthens skills in analysing evidence and develops historical empathy.

Students get to view up close a range of original documents including photographs, a map and the fascinating records of individuals in Wandsworth prison.

We accommodate group sizes of 8 to 35 students. All groups must be accompanied by at least two adults.

What to expect from an education visit to The National Archives

Our in-person workshops and events offer a unique learning experience, giving children the chance to investigate and handle original documents from across time.

The live online version of this workshop

The one-hour online session in your classroom is led by an experienced history educator, you only need a microphone, large screen and webcam to take part. Interactive activities encourage students to discuss their ideas and work in groups using high-quality materials provided in advance by The National Archives Education team.

Students will explore the experiences of Victorian people, including children, who were imprisoned. Pupils examine a range of documents including photographs and a prison map. The session encourages historical empathy through focusing on the experience of one child prisoner.

Your class will connect with us through one computer linked to a large whiteboard at the front of the classroom. You only need a microphone, webcam and whiteboard screen to take part.

What to expect from a National Archives online education workshop

Too far to bring your students to Kew? Join us for a free live online workshop and we’ll bring the archives to you!

Connections to the curriculum

This session supports schools focusing on a thematic study in British history (beyond 1066).