Located in the historic market town of Epworth, the Old Rectory offers a unique learning environment for students of all ages, to discover our fascinating heritage as well as the wider history of the Isle of Axholme, from pre-history to modern day. 

Your class can explore our 18th century home as well as take part in one of our immersive workshops to complement what they have learnt in class.

Workshops Designed with Key Stage 2, in mind, and to meet specific National Curriculum requirements, our Outreach & Learning Manager is happy to discuss your specific learning aims and needs of your pupils.

The Isle of Axholme has a fascinating history. Several important archaeological finds have been unearthed in the area, a Neolithic Jadite Axe found in nearby Wroot, a Roman ‘bog body’ found in Amcotts and a late Anglo-Saxon buckle found in the grounds of the Rectory, are just a few.

History Workshops

Our history-themed workshop activities take place both inside and outside, so children need to be dressed appropriately for the weather.

We recommend sturdy footwear for outdoor exploration and comfortable clothing suitable for movement. Please also ensure they bring a waterproof jacket and a hat or sunscreen, depending on the season, to stay comfortable throughout the day.

PORTAL TO THE PAST

How did Prehistoric people live in the area all those years ago? In this immersive workshop children will step back in time and learn how our ancestors lived over 2000 years ago.
Children will examine real and replica objects and discover how these objects were used in daily life and how they changed over time. Using our secure outdoor area the children will learn a variety of techniques used in daily life to survive.

ROMAN LIFE ON THE ISLE

Who were the Roman people living in the Isle? What evidence have they left behind and how was their way of living different to what had come before? Investigating real and replica objects and engaging with several hands-on activities children will be immersed in the world of the Romans.

ANGLO-SAXON & VIKING INVASION

What evidence is there that these people lived here in the Isle of Axholme? Why did they come here? What was daily life like for them? Children will handle real and replica objects and take part in a variety of activities to help answer these questions.

A half day workshop, using the indoor elements of the above workshops, can be delivered at your school.

SUSANNA’S COVERLET

This art-based workshop is inspired by a coverlet Susanna Wesley made between 1710 and 1735. Children will engage all the senses as they tour the house and grounds and get inspiration from what they see, hear, smell and touch to help them produce their own coverlet using a variety of media. Children will work in groups and share their ideas to create a masterpiece which they can take back to school.

WONDERFUL WESLEYS

This full day workshop introduces children to the Wesley family. Children will learn about members of the family and will take part in four activities including working in the Physick Garden, learning in Susanna’s kitchen classroom, a tour of the house and handling 18th century objects similar to those used by the Wesley family.

WALKING WITH THE WESLEYS

Walking around Epworth town centre, children will visit the areas closely associated with the Wesley family. On returning to the Old Rectory children will engage in a number of activities. This workshop links to the KS2 RE curriculum and explores how John Wesley brought God’s message to people, the hostility he encountered and how he overcame it. This workshop can be tailored to a half day visit with just the walk or a full day to include
the walk and activities at the Rectory.

Nature Explorer Workshops

Working in the beautiful grounds of the Rectory we offer three half-day workshops, each linking to the science curriculum. Multiple workshops can be booked for a full day of activities.

INSECT INVESTIGATORS

Using a range of scientific equipment children will collect and observe a variety of insects found in different areas of the Rectory’s grounds. Children will learn about the importance of protecting and taking care of the grounds where these creatures live and what they need to survive.

HABITAT HUNTERS

Exploring the grounds, children will investigate microhabitats and consider what animals call in their home, how the habitat changes with the seasons and what impact this has on the animals. Working in groups, children will then have the opportunity to create their own habitat for a chosen creature.

POWERFUL PLANTS

Children will be working in and around the Physic Garden which is inspired by John Wesley’s book ‘Primitive Physick’. Working through a series of investigations and experiments children will learn how plants grow, what conditions are required for different plants, record observations and report their findings to the rest of the group.

Additional Resources

ASSEMBLIES/COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

We are available to deliver a one off assembly or a series of assemblies which can be themed inline with your school vision.

LOANS BOXES

We have loans boxes available to complement several of our workshops: Portal to the Past, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings and the Wesley’s. Boxes are available for half a term.

For more information please contact our Outreach, Learning and Engagement Manager on olem@epwortholdrectory.org.uk. or call 01427 872268

Costs & Duration

Learning House Tour – £3.50 per child

School Workshop & House Tour –  £5.00 per child

One free teacher admission for every 6 children – more by arrangement.

We strongly recommend a free teacher pre-visit for every school booking.

 

Full-day workshops are from 10am to 2:30pm.

Half-day workshops are from 10am to 12pm.

We advise schools to arrive at 9:45 for a prompt 10am start.

 

Coaches can pull into the car park and are welcome to stay on site.

Our workshops are delivered by DBS checked members of staff.

We can accommodate up to 30 pupils at one time (more by arrangement.

We have a lunchroom available for packed lunches.

COMING SOON – “The Wesley’s at Christmas” – discover the festive traditions enjoyed by the Wesley Family – includes subsidised coach travel