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Primary School Sessions

Primary School History session at Hillsborough Castle about the wedding of Arthur Wills Blundell to Caroline Frances. In this session, Lady Charlotte Hill, his sister, asks the schoolchildren to help her prepare for the big event with object handling in the State Dining Room.

A Victorian Wedding Party

Help the Hill family prepare for a lavish Victorian wedding! Explore how rich and poor in Victorian Ireland would have celebrated important events in this fun, interactive session.

Key stage 1
Areas of Learning: The World Around Us, Language and Literacy
Topic: Victorians, Celebration
Session type: Route-based

Students take part in a school session at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Apply Within: Victorian Servants

Explore the State Rooms and uncover the different roles of servants in a Victorian 'big house'. Do you have what it takes to secure a position at Hillsborough Castle?

Key stage 2
Subject: The World Around Us, Numeracy, Language and Literacy
Topic: Victorians
Session type: Route-based

Students take part in a school session at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Marvellous Minibeasts

Join us on a minibeast hunt to find out all about the marvellous minibeasts that call Hillsborough Castle’s gardens home. Pupils will explore different habitats and learn about the lives of invertebrates in this hands-on session. 

Foundation Stage & Lower Key Stage 1
Subject: The World Around Us, Language and Literacy, Thinking Skills and Capabilities
Topic: Minibeasts
Session Type: Outdoor - Gardens 

Primary School History session at Hillsborough Castle about the wedding of Arthur Wills Blundell to Caroline Frances. In this session, Lady Charlotte Hill, his sister, asks the schoolchildren to help her prepare for the big event with object handling in the State Dining Room.

Power and Politics

The Hill and the Stewart families cannot agree. What would you do to solve the dispute of who is 'most powerful'? Join this interactive session to find out. This session is particularly suitable for schools working on the Shared Learning Agenda.

Key stage 2 
Subject: 
The World Around Us, Personal Development & Mutual Understanding 
Topic: 
Conflict and Resolution, Georgians 
Session type: 
Route-based 

Students take part in a school session at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

A Victorian Christmas at the Castle

Welcome to Christmas at the Castle!  It is very busy at Hillsborough Castle at this time of year as the family and servants prepare for a very exciting and fashionable Christmas.

Key stage 1 and 2
Subject: The World Around Us, The Arts, Language and Literacy
Topic: Christmas, Victorian, Celebration
Session type: Route-based

School group taking part in team-building activities in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle.

Nurturing Nature: Mindfulness session

Join us in Hillsborough Castle’s gardens to relax, enjoy nature, and learn how to be in the present moment. Learn and practice some simple mindfulness techniques to help improve and support your pupils’ wellbeing, anytime and anywhere!

Key stage 1 & Key stage 2
Curriculum Links: Personal Development and Mutual Understanding Topic: Wellbeing
Session Type: Outdoor - Gardens

A close view of a swan and one cygnet in the lake at Hillsborough Castle gardens, June 2021. Hillsborough bird wildlife.

Animal adaptations

In this hands-on session, pupils will explore a range of different taxidermy animals and discover how animals are adapted to their habitat.

Upper key stage 1 & key stage 2
Curriculum Links: The World Around Us, Language and Literacy, Thinking Skills and Capabilities
Topic: Animal Adaptations
Session Type: Classroom Based

A selection of seasonal produce including pumpkins, apples and vegetables on display in a wheelbarrow with orange flowers in the background.

Plentiful Plans

Join us in Hillsborough Castle’s gardens to relax, enjoy nature, and learn how to be in the present moment. Learn and practice some simple mindfulness techniques to help improve and support your pupils’ wellbeing, anytime and anywhere!

Key stage 2
Curriculum Links: The World Around Us, Language and Literacy, Thinking Skills and Capabilities
Topic: Plants
Session Type: Classroom Based