School Visits

For KS2 History co-ordinators and teachers of 'Invaders and Settlers' history module, the choice of books and resources on the Viking age is extensive but....

There is no substitute for a hands-on encounter with a live Viking or two!

Image used by kind permission of Mrs D. Richardson

Viking comb provided by Asgard Crafts

Thorhild brings along a range of domestic artefacts, weapons and textiles for the children to handle. With a combination of talk, worksheets and activities she covers many aspects of life in the 9th and 10th centuries, specialising in the Viking culture.

She also brings examples of clothing for selected staff and children to try on. There will be plenty of opportunity for the pupils to ask questions and get involved, exercising and extending their knowledge.

Thorhild can also give young warriors basic training and closely supervise a battle. Instructions for making a simple helmet and shield, for use on the day, can be sent in advance of the visit and done as a classroom project.

Thorhild has worked with numbers of children ranging from one class to a whole year group.


	Shieldwall training in progress. By kind permission of Montgomerie Juniors, Thurndersley, Essex

A full day is recommended so that the visit can climax with a battle. Half day visits may be considered, depending on distance and type of school.

School visits can be arranged for locations within East Anglia and the Greater London area, or for other areas on request.

Fee Structure

• Full day (approx 5 hours)	£230
Prices correct June 2008. Please call to confirm current rates.

NB. Thorhild regrets that due to rising fuel prices there will now be a supplement of £20 on visits further than 50 miles from her home. (One way, not round trip.)

Image used by kind permission of Benhurst School, Hornchurch, Essex

The use of a hall (or large classroom) is required for the visit, and a large open area for the battle (playground, field or hall).

Prior to the visit the format of the day, topics and worksheets can be decided between Thorhild and the teacher. Typical worksheet and activity topics include:

1. Exploring the runic alphabet

2. Decorating a Viking comb

3. Place name investigation

4. Designing a banner

5. Dressing as a Viking

6. Playing Hnafetafl, a Viking board game

Image used by kind permission of The Gateway School, Dartford

Instructions for making a helmet and shield for use on the day can be sent on request once a visit has been booked.

To ask about a visit to your school or to book Thorhild, please use the Contact Form provided. Please note that all materials such as paper, pencils and paints necessary for the requested activities are to be provided by the school, including photocopying of Thorhild's worksheets.

Thorhild is C.R.B. registered.

Comments from Schools visited…….

'Thanks for a great afternoon, children remained focused throughout!' Great Clacton Junior, Clacton on Sea.	'The artefacts, dressing up and mock battle were excellent, - A great day!' *Benhurst Primary, Elm Park.*
'Adapted easily to the needs of the school. Very informative.' Hacton Primary and Hearing Impaired Unit, Hornchurch	'The children loved looking at clothes and objects.' *Powers Hall Junior, Witham.*
'Lovely hands on session…wish we'd had longer (a week?) as the children were eager to learn.' Culvers House Community School, Mitcham, Surrey	"Excellent delivery…. a good overview of the Vikings" Little Thurrock Primary, Grays, Essex
"You were very flexible and I appreciated how well it worked around our day, timetable and space." Kinderley Primary, Tydd St. Giles, Cambs	"The pupils were unusually focused and the worksheets easily adapted for our children's levels.' Middleton Primary Special School, Ware, Herts

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