Learning Workshops

Signs of the Seasons

Discover signs of the seasons whilst exploring the Lotherton and Temple Newsam estates. Observe and learn about the seasonal changes that take place.

Estate Explorers

Embark on a guided nature walk and learn about the wilder side of Lotherton and Temple Newsam Look for evidence of feeding, tracks and trails around out Estates.

Kirkstall Abbey; hideous history or local legend?

Virtual only. This workshop engages pupils with history and encourages thinking skills by exploring some of the more horrid aspects of life in medieval and Tudor Leeds

Arty in the Abbey

This session is full of fun art activities designed to help pupils to understand and explore our wonderful ruins.

Plant Life Cycles

Investigate the local plantlife and explore the part that flowers play in the life cycle of plants.

‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ story sack

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

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.

Why is Kirkstall Abbey important?

This workshop will look at people like Henry de Lacy and Henry VIII in a talking timeline, explore the ruins and lives of the monks that lived here.

Health and Hygiene

Why were people in medieval times so preoccupied with death? What did they eat? How often did they wash? Explore these questions and more

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?

Maths at the Monastery

Experience practical maths in action! Pupils will compare and contrast modern and medieval methods and decide which is best.

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

Take part in this workshop covering 850 years, with pupils taking on the roles of important people in Kirkstall’s history.

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.

The Gallery and the City

Cross-curricular workshop bringing together art and history for one or both curriculum areas or knowledge of careers in the art world.

Virtual Classroom: Art Encounters Live

Enjoy a virtual visit to Leeds Art Gallery and get-up close to art linked to an in-school theme.

Picturing Design

Creative workshop to develop art skills and confident use of materials and ideas.

Ways of being an Art Detective

Investigation workshop using looking and thinking to explore artworks in a gallery.

Thinking Making

Discover our design technology workshop to understand and solve real design problems.