Arty in the Abbey

Arty in the Abbey This session is full of fun art activities designed to help pupils to understand and explore our wonderful ruins. It is facilitated by one of our team and all art materials are provided. Activities include making rubbings, sketching, calligraphy and illuminated letters. This session can be differentiated to enhance different learning […]

Tags: Early Years, KS1, Materials

05 February 2019

Health and Hygiene

Health and Hygiene Why were people in medieval times so preoccupied with death? Why did medieval monks live so long? What did they eat? How often did they wash? What happened when they were ill? Did they actually know what they were doing? Explore these questions and more using the abbey’s buildings, artefacts, herbs and […]

Tags: KS2, Local Leeds History, Medieval and Tudor, Studies Through Time

08 February 2019

Hideous History – Monks and Tudors

Hideous History – Monks and Tudors Why did Tudor doctors shave chickens’ bottoms? What did monks do with wee? Why were beetles so important in making books? Engage pupils with history and thinking skills by exploring some of the more horrid aspects of life in medieval and Tudor Kirkstall including medicine, hygiene and making books. […]

Tags: KS2, Local Leeds History, Medieval and Tudor

If stones could speak

If stones could speak Fun practical activities including puppets, art rubbings and dressing up help pupils to understand the different materials used in old buildings and how buildings change over time. We will explore the abbey by collecting information on colour, texture, pattern and design. This feeds into group discussions and creating pieces of group […]

Tags: Early Years, KS1, Materials

Maths at the Monastery

Maths at the Monastery Experience practical maths in action! A range of simple methods and equipment will be used to estimate and calculate length, area and height. Pupils will compare and contrast modern and medieval methods and decide which is best. Pupils will also complete a range of practical maths activities which relate to the […]

Tags: KS2, Math

Mellow Monks

Mellow Monks Are your pupils feeling stressed or finding it hard to concentrate? Help them keep calm with yoga in the peaceful setting of Kirkstall Abbey.

Tags: KS2

Power and politics

Power and Politics Develop pupil’s interpretation and enquiry skills by exploring medieval life in the abbey, change over time and the power of the Church. Use the abbey buildings, artefacts, pictures and documentary evidence to appreciate why people chose to become monks and the rules that governed their daily lives. Explore why people became disaffected […]

Tags: KS3, KS4, Medieval and Tudor

‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ story sack

‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ story sack Share the story of ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle. The story sack includes a copy of the book, caterpillar and butterfly soft puppets, laminated food and a hungry caterpillar dressing up outfit.

Tags: Early Years, KS1

What was it like to be a Monk at Kirkstall Abbey?

What was it like to be a Monk at Kirkstall Abbey? We will start with a talking timeline covering 850 years with pupils taking on the roles of important people in Kirkstall’s history. We will then investigate a range of local artefacts, clothing, sign language, food and cooking. Pupils will gain insight as to why […]

Tags: KS2, Local Leeds History, Medieval and Tudor

Why is Kirkstall Abbey important?

Why is Kirkstall Abbey important? When was Kirkstall Abbey was built? Who actually lived here? Why is it so big? And why is it still important today? We will start looking at important people like Henry de Lacy and Henry VIII in a talking timeline. Then we will explore the ruins and the monk’s lives […]

Tags: Early Years, KS1, Local Leeds History