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. In the early hours of the morning, 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 explore Queen Victoria’s life in the palace in which she grew up. They will study evidence from journals, paintings and objects to consider how she was trained for the position, and will reflect on how well prepared the royal court and society at large were for the first female monarch to rule in her own right in over a century.

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
£104 (plus admission)