Schools

Our Primary workshops are creative, hands-on, and enriching. With links to the Art & Design, English, History, and Science curriculum plus opportunities to develop bespoke sessions to suit your school, there’s something for every class.

Explore our range of full-day onsite sessions for KS1 and KS2 below.

William Morris: Inspired by Nature (KS1)

In this creative session for KS1, pupils will learn all about William Morris and how his connection to nature inspired the things he designed and made. Pupils will delve into Morris’s life at Kelmscott Manor, explore his pattern-making, practise sketching in the gardens, and design and print their own repeat wallpapers.

Kelmscott Manor: House of Words (KS1, KS2)

Writing comes to life in this immersive session at Kelmscott Manor. Pupils will take inspiration from real objects in our collection, from the Manor and its environment, from stories of the past and their own imaginations in a series of writing activities that will boost curiosity, creativity, and language and literacy skills.

William Morris: Great Artist and Designer (KS2)

Pupils will get up close with William Morris’s life and ideas as they explore his inspirational country home and learn about his relevance and influence today. They’ll become pattern detectives, artists, and makers as they follow in William Morris’s footsteps to design and print their own repeat patterns inspired by the environment around them.

Kelmscott Writers: On Holiday with May Morris (KS2)

This session brings history to life through the eyes of 10-year-old May Morris. Pupils will step into the past as they explore the Manor House, play Victorian games, and learn about life at Kelmscott through immersive, hands-on activities. They’ll develop imaginative and descriptive writing skills as they send a postcard home from this unique holiday house.

William Morris’s Beautiful Books (KS2, Arts Award Discover)

Art and design and literacy skills meet in this creative session inspired by the Kelmscott Press. Pupils will explore the house and the gardens, try their hand with a quill, and combine printmaking and creative writing to produce a book page in the style of William Morris.

Wild Kelmscott: Designing with Nature (KS2)

In this creative and curious session for KS2, pupils will delve into the Morris family life at Kelmscott Manor, explore patterns and textiles that celebrate nature, and spend time outdoors studying habitats and the creatures who call them home. They will discover how William Morris and his daughter May Morris were inspired by the nature all around them at the Manor, before making their own nature-inspired artwork.

“You met and surpassed all expectations. The whole trip was brilliantly organised and everything worked wonderfully.

KS2 Teacher

We welcome KS3, GCSE, and A-Level students at Kelmscott Manor. Develop skills and deepen subject knowledge in Art, Design, English, and History at the home of one of the most influential designers and thinkers of the 19^th  century.

Get in touch to discuss options for your school.

“The workshops definitely support the curriculum. For students to see first-hand and experience the lifestyle of the artist they are studying is incredibly informative.

All the activities provided were inspirational and encouraged the students to create their own work.”

Head of Art, Farmor’s School

Get up close with the past as you explore our incredible site and collection through inspiring hands-on workshops. Work with our Learning & Outreach Officer and Curator to develop a visit that’s right for your students – whatever your academic discipline.

Want to make a visit to Kelmscott Manor as part of a home school group? Get in touch with the Learning & Outreach Officer to discuss resources and activities you can enjoy together.