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How to Become a Queen: Educating Victoria

About this session

Key stage 2 | Subject: History, English| Topic: Victorians | Session Type: Route-based and classroom

It is 24 May 1819.  A baby girl – Victoria - is born in a makeshift maternity room in Kensington Palace. Unlikely as it seemed at the time, she will become Queen.

How did Victoria – fifth in line to the throne at birth - come to be queen? Who was this little girl? How was she educated for the role? 

Children will study evidence from journals, paintings and objects to consider how well Victoria was to reign. 

 

What to expect?

  • In this hour-long session, your group will walk between several rooms inside the palace.  
  • The session will be facilitated by a presenter in costume, playing a historical character, who will interact with children in a lively and responsive way.  
  • Teachers and supporting adults will be required to actively support the facilitator and engage with the session.   
  • Children will be encouraged to take an active part in the session through role-play activities, questioning and debate 

Learning objectives

Children will:

  • Gain an understanding of Queen Victoria’s childhood in Kensington Palace.
  • Examine objects and documents to assess Victoria’s childhood and compare to childhoods today.
  • Think critically, evaluate evidence and ask questions in order to understand the past.

National Curriculum links

This session supports:

History

  • Constructing informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information.
  • Understanding how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.

English

  • Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role
    play/improvisations and debates.

Booking information

Availability
Wednesday - Friday
11.00, 12.15, 13.45

Duration
60 minutes

Capacity
Up to 35 students

Price
£105 (plus admission)

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Learning Resources

Image of costumed actor with text that reads "Meet Queen Victoria"

Queen Victoria | Significant Individuals | KS1

Meet Queen Victoria at her childhood home, Kensington Palace. Learn about the challenges she faced as queen and explore what life was like during the Victorian period.

Preview image of learning resource

Georgian to Victorian Kings and Queens Biographies and key facts

Short editable biographies of Georgian to Victorian Kings and Queens. Use key facts, activities and historic sources to explore these famous monarchs and their lives at Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace.