This year we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years since Her Majesty The Queen came to the throne. Here’s our round up of all things royal for schools so you can enjoy a special day out to mark the occasion.
1. Our Platinum Queen at Windsor Castle, Berkshire
This new session explores Her Majesty’s working life during her 70-year reign, including the many official and state duties that she carries out at Windsor Castle. Children will also learn about Windsor Castle as a home, finding out how they can identify if The Queen is in residence and discovering what Her Majesty likes to do in her free time.
The session includes plenty of opportunities for imagination and role play, with activities including using replica Crown Jewels to recreate The Queen’s Coronation in 1953, employing speaking and listening skills while using replica letters from The Queen’s dispatch box to learn about Her Majesty’s official duties, and dressing up and using props to act out a knight’s dubbing ceremony.
Available weekdays throughout 2022.
2. A Platinum Jubilee at the Royal Mews, London
Celebrate this historic anniversary with a visit to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and discover how the Mews has supported Her Majesty The Queen. This workshop includes an introductory session to discuss what a Platinum Jubilee celebrates and is followed by a tour to explore the royal carriages and horses housed at the Royal Mews.
The session encourages children to explore the historical and cultural significance of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and invites them to imagine key events in Her Majesty’s reign and to learn more about the role played by the Royal Mews staff and horses.
Children will have the chance to handle replica objects and explore archival materials highlighting the many people from across the world who were involved in the 1953 Coronation, and to act out the ceremony themselves through dressing up and props.
Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 19th May, then Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 23rd May - 30th September 2022.
3. Platinum Jubilee Tours at Westminster Abbey, London
Three tours have been unveiled this year at Westminster Abbey, possibly the most iconic wedding and coronation venue for royals in history. The first of these, Platinum Jubilee, will introduce pupils to the 70-year reign of Her Majesty The Queen, before exploring her time on the throne in the very place where she was crowned Queen.
Kings Queens & Coronations, the second tour on offer, will have pupils becoming monarchs for the day to find out more about the coronations of Britain’s most famous kings and queens. The third, Three Queens, delves into the Abbey’s links to three extraordinary women and rulers: Elizabeth I, Victoria and Elizabeth II. All sessions last an hour and a half and aim to inspire students to truly celebrate the special anniversary year.
Available weekdays throughout 2022.
4. Platinum Jubilee at the Palace, Edinburgh
Walk the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty The Queen’s official residence in Scotland, to discover how its rooms have been used by The Queen. Hear about the ancient Order of the Thistle, the Ceremony of the Keys, investitures and The Queen’s Garden Parties. Children will investigate real and replica objects and documents, explore the historic interiors and learn about how previous jubilees have been celebrated.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has also been home to some of the most famous figures in Scottish royal history, from Mary, Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the session will discuss historical people and events, putting them in context on a historical timeline.
Available weekdays throughout 2022.
5. Superbloom at the Tower of London
A vibrant sea of flowers will take over the Tower of London’s moat to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, where pupils will see carefully chosen seed mixes that will be sown in the moat to create a colourful display. Known as Superbloom, the display will continuously evolve, changing colours and patterns over the season.
With a planting scheme designed to attract bees, pollinators and seed-eating birds, the garden will provide a biodiverse space to support different types of wildlife. Visiting students will have the chance to walk through the transformed space, taking time to slow down and take in the nature around them.
Available 1st June - 18th September 2022.
For more information about how your school can get involved with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, visit www.platinumjubilee.gov.uk.
