Trouvère are specialists in lively historical presentation, combining music, roleplay and fun! Take a look below at our options for school visits...
Workshops for Schools
Trouvère Medieval Minstrels have been presenting workshops for schools for some ten years now. We started off specialising in the Tudor period, but have branched out to cover the Vikings and Saxons, and medieval times as well. All our sessions last around 1.5 hours and are variously suitable for class-sized groups or larger year or even Key Stage groups - and you can book just the one session, or up to three to make a full day of it.
Costs
- One session: £175 plus travel expenses
- Two sessions: £275 plus travel expenses
- Three sessions: £350 plus travel expenses
Expenses are based on 50p per mile for travel costs from our base in North Yorkshire and £50 per night for overnight costs if required.
These costs are valid for visits to the end of 2013.
Tudors
Ideal for key stage two. A strong emphasis on the contrast between rich and poor lives in Tudor times
An Audience with Queen Mary
Extended roleplay. The children meet the Queen, learn about Tudor behaviour and etiquette and try out for various posts at court. The audience can be followed with a short and more informal session based around Music, Clothes, or Toys & Games.
1.5 hours - suitable for up to 100 children, Years 3-6.
Tudor Revels
A fun mixture of Tudor activities that can include have-a-go with Tudor musical instruments, playing Tudor games, dressing up in Tudor clothes and trying a Tudor dance.
1.5 hours - suitable as a workshop for up to 30 children for maximum individual hands-on experience, or as a presentation for up to 100 children involving a few volunteers only, Years 3-4.
Tudor Music & Dance
Hearing and trying out a great variety of Tudor-period musical instruments plus learning a simple dance.
1.5 hours - suitable as a workshop for up to 30 children for maximum individual hands-on experience, or as a presentation for up to 100 children involving a few volunteers only, Years 5-6.
You can mix the different sessions on one day - for example, starting off all together for an audience with the Queen and going on to do two Music and Dance or Tudor Revels sessions in smaller groups. You may also wish us to work with one group while you get on with Tudor-themed activities with other groups. If so, we can also provide the equipment and full supporting notes for teacher-led sessions on Tudor artefacts - including costume items and toys.
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Medieval Times
Perfect if you’re looking at life in a Castle - great for key stage one or key stage two
In the Great Hall
In this session we explore the similarities and differences between medieval and modern life by focusing above all on how people had fun in the middle ages. The children get dressed up in simple medieval outfits and acquire a medieval name. Before going on to learn some simple medieval greetings. They then try out medieval musical instruments, have a go at a variety of medieval games and try some medieval dancing - or as much of this as we can fit in! We can also end with a short show including music and storytelling from Trouvère and dancing from the children.
1.5 hours - suitable for up to 30 children.
While we’re working with one group, teachers may like to try some authentic medieval crafts with other groups - we can supply all necessary materials and instructions for a small additional charge.
Available crafts to try include:
- Making ink and writing with a quill pen
- Making a medieval pouch
- Making wall-hangings
- Making period toys
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Vikings and Saxons
Ideal for key stage two, exploring the cultures of two groups of invaders and settlers
In the Feasting Hall
With half the group taking the part of Vikings and the other half the part of Saxons, there’s a strong emphasis in this session on the meeting of cultures. As with Medieval Times, the similarities and differences between the Dark Ages and today are brought out by a focus on the arts of fun!
The children get dressed up in simple but authentic outfits, learn Dark Age greetings, try period musical instruments and have a go at Viking games.
Depending on time, we’ll also have a go at dancing and making up riddles. There’ll also be the chance to explore period weapons and armour.
As with Medieval Times, teachers can lead craft sessions with other groups in tandem with us for a small additional charge to cover materials.
Available crafts to try include:
- Writing - making ink, using a quill pen and scribing runes
- Making a Viking pouch
- Making Viking jewellery
- Making period toys
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