Roman Tech & Everyday Life Plus Museum Visit

This popular hands-on session gives participants the exciting opportunity to investigate different types of Roman technology, and experience first-hand the jobs of Roman workers and slaves, including hammering a Roman coin (to take home as a souvenir) and building and firing mini catapults. Then, take part in a fun hands-on workshop, in which children take on the role of archaeologists investigating real artefacts from Roman Canterbury. Half the class explores the museum displays for 40 minutes, while the other half investigates the artefacts, before swapping round.

  • Recreation of Roman Canterbury from above.

Session details

This session is delivered in 2 parts. One starts at Canterbury Roman Museum and the other starts at The Beaney. Pupils will participate in both parts in turn.

At the Canterbury Roman Museum you will have the exciting opportunity to participate in a series of short interactive sessions led by one of our facilitators exploring different aspects of Roman technology. Your pupils will be divided into two smaller groups and will experience first-hand the jobs of Roman workers and slaves; hammering a Roman coin (to take home as a souvenir), learning about the quern stone and building and firing mini catapults in our Learning Lab and museum galleries. Please note that each group must be accompanied by at least one member of your staff.

Upon arrival at The Beaney pupils will have the opportunity to be archaeologists, investigating objects from every-day Roman life as well as exploring the museum. This is a teacher-led session led by your staff following a brief introduction from a member of museum staff.

Other activities are available within the museums, each lasting approximately 45 minutes so you could add these to your workshop to tailor your museum visit to your class needs.

Timings

The Roman Technology and Everyday Life sessions last for a total of approximately 2.5 hours.

Capacity & Age Groups

Please note that the Roman Tech and Everyday Life workshops are delivered in small groups. Each group must be accompanied by a member of your staff at all times so please ensure that you have enough staff to cover all 5 groups plus any toilet breaks that are required.

Maximum numbers for the Roman Technology and Everyday Life workshop is 32 pupils plus accompanying teachers. For larger groups we can split you into 2 groups and run each activity concurrently and then swap. You can also combine your visit with other activities or a museum visit whilst the groups take it in turns to participate in the workshops.

Key stage 1/beginner ESOL students, key stage 2 and 3, intermediate and advanced ESOL students.

Costs

£7 per pupil for district schools and £8 per pupil for non-district schools. Accompanying adults go free. Min charge £70.

Lunch Room

Please do enquire if you require a lunch space and we will do our best to accommodate you. However, a lunch space cannot be guaranteed.

How to book

All schools and groups must book visits in advance. To book any of our workshops please complete our Online Booking Form. If you have specific requirements that are not covered by the Online Booking Form please contact the Learning Team by emailing: learning@canterbury.gov.uk.

Important Information

  • We advise that all teachers conduct a preliminary visit before arriving with their pupils.
  • Please ensure that all accompanying adults on your visit are aware of their role on the visit and are prepared to engage in the learning and support the pupils.
  • The group leader is responsible for the behaviour and well-being of their group at all times.
  • Please arrive promptly ready to start your visit allowing time for traffic, coach parking and walking through the busy city centre.
  • There is no parking outside The Beaney or Canterbury Roman Museum. Coach drivers can book an appropriate coach drop off time at Canterbury Bus Station (5 minutes’ walk), or a parking space at Canterbury Coach Park (15 minutes’ walk)
  • If payment for the visit is not made on the day, we will invoice for the number of pupils originally booked or the number that actually visited on the day (whichever is higher). If a visit is cancelled less than 2 weeks before it is due to take place, we regret we will still require payment to cover incurred costs.
  • Invoices are issued following the date of the visit unless organisers wish to pay in advance.

Terms & Conditions

Payment can be made on the day of your visit in cash, by credit card or via a cheque made payable to Canterbury City Council. If payment is not made on the day, we will invoice for the number of pupils originally booked or however many actually visited on the day (whichever is higher). If a visit is cancelled less than 2 weeks before it is due to take place, we regret we will still request payment to cover incurred costs.

Responsibility for children on site

Please ensure that all accompanying adults are aware of their role on the visit and are prepared to engage in the learning and support the pupils.

The group leader is responsible for the behaviour and well-being of their group at all times including first aid and ensuring participants are engaged in the activity. The group leaders will be liable for any breakages or damage to Museum property or collections. Your staff should accompany your pupils at all times. Learning activities cannot be delivered by our staff unless your pupils are accompanied by relevant staff numbers.

Late arrivals

If your group arrives late, please note that the duration of the workshop may be reduced (to end at the scheduled time) in order not to run over into time booked by other later groups and therefore the workshop content may not be as advertised. The charges will remain as advertised.

Risk Assessments

Ahead of your visit please download and complete the relevant risk assessment.

Canterbury Roman Museum mosaic floor

Immerse yourself in over 2,000 years of history