The 700-year-old medieval attraction is helping more pupils take part in hands-on history experiences thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
St Mary’s Guildhall has launched its School Access Fund which will reduce the cost of a two-hour workshop by 30% from £5 to £3.50 per pupil.
The Guildhall’s education team hope that by making school trips more affordable, the programme will improve access to high-quality learning and heritage experiences for a variety of pupils.
Jessica Trodden, schools and families learning manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “It’s a really important step for us in our education programme as we look to engage as many young people as possible and break down barriers to venues like St Mary’s Guildhall, which has so much to offer in terms of providing new opportunities in our local communities.”
Which schools are eligible for the funding?
The School Access Fund is available to schools in Coventry and Warwickshire where the proportion of children eligible for pupil premium funding and free school meals is above the city-wide average of 26%.
As well as learning about key periods from history, workshops will enable pupils to develop their personal skills and confidence while encouraging a connection with the local area in fun, engaging sessions.
Up to 30 children can take part in each workshop, which are tailored to specific ages and abilities, including SEND pupils.
As part of the Guildhall’s current workshops series – Reigning Royals – schools can book The Royals, Riots and Ribbons which investigates local history using the story of Lady Godiva and the city’s textile trade, while Party Like It’s 1617 explores banqueting in Tudor and Stuart times, this includes using herbs in the medieval kitchen and making personalised family heraldry.
The Rich, the Poor and the Hungry session allows students to experience life as a working Victorian child by having a go at weaving and carding. A Tale of Two Queens looks back at the lives and relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I and their time in Coventry.
About St Mary’s Guildhall
With more than 700 years of fascinating history, school groups can also see the huge Coventry Tapestry which hangs inside and is believed to be the oldest of its kind in the country.
St Mary’s is one of the finest surviving medieval guildhalls in the country and has been of great importance since it was first built in the 1340s, reopening as a visitor attraction in the summer of 2022 after a huge transformation.
For enquiries or to discuss eligibility, contact education@noordinaryhospitality.com
For more information about workshops visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk/learning-workshops
