Bridging the past and present through hands-on learning experiences
The initiative aims to make the rich tapestry of Windsor Castle’s past more accessible by removing the complexities of the logistics that often deter educational visits. With a curriculum that includes the valor of knights and the intimate life of Queen Victoria within these regal confines, the program promises to be a comprehensive historical journey. Royal Collection Trust’s Learning Officers will venture into schools in the Windsor vicinity, including Slough, Maidenhead, and Staines, to conduct interactive sessions. They’ll bring a touch of the royal experience with artefacts, replica regalia, and armour, encouraging students to engage through role play and storytelling.
Virtual workshops: A global classroom
For schools further afield or those facing budgetary constraints, virtual workshops will beam the essence of Windsor Castle directly into the classroom. These sessions, facilitated via video conferencing tools, are designed to be as immersive as their on-site counterparts, offering individual classes or entire schools a glimpse into the lives of the castle’s historic inhabitants. Gordon Ferguson, Learning Manager at the Royal Collection Trust, expressed enthusiasm for the program’s potential to reach a diverse and global audience. The online sessions have already connected with schools as distant as Canada and Brazil.
Photo: Peter Parker
Exclusive in-person visits
The Royal Collection Trust will continue to welcome students to Windsor Castle itself, with a range of activities tailored to different educational stages. From storytelling for early years to A-Level students sketching from Leonardo da Vinci’s original drawings, the visits are crafted to leave a lasting impression. A travel subsidy and access scheme will support schools serving economically disadvantaged communities.
A Year of Learning
The Royal Collection Trust doesn’t stop at Windsor Castle. Throughout the year, it facilitates educational visits to the official residences of His Majesty The King in London, Windsor, and Edinburgh, as well as the Royal Mews and The King’s Galleries. With 40,000 students participating in visits or online sessions in the year 2022–23, the Trust is committed to making these historical sites accessible to all, working alongside community organizations to extend its educational reach. As the Royal Collection Trust prepares to open bookings for the academic year 2024-2025 after the Easter break, this initiative stands as a testament to the enduring allure of history and the innovative ways in which it can be brought to life for future generations.
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