Name of Workshop: Objects of Desire
Key Stage: KS2
Duration: 2 hours
Learning Outcomes: Pupils will recognise why certain things are stolen
Pupils will understand that crime has consequences for the victim and the accused
Curriculum links: History & PSE
Thinking
Communication
Historical knowledge and understanding
Workshop description:
Using an illustrated 1849 Calendar of Prisoners and a variety of 19th century objects pupils will explore what was considered valuable and worth stealing in the past.
Each group will be given one of the objects. The group will divide into a prosecution team and a defence team. The defence will be asked to put forward an argument as to why the accused stole the object and the prosecution will put forward an argument on behalf of the victim of the theft.
The arguments will be heard in Shire Hall courtroom. Each group will be able to dress in legal costume to put forward their case. The workshop facilitator will act as the Chief Judge and lead the courtroom proceedings.
A pupil ‘jury’ will decide the outcome of each case and be asked to recommend a sentence, depending on the outcome.
Pupils will then discover what happened to their case in reality by matching their cases with the actual ‘crime reports’
Pre-visit requirements:
1. As a class, undertake the ‘Who sits Where’ courtroom game on the Shire Hall
Website
2. Divide the class into 5 groups
3. As a class, discuss
a) what the pupils consider valuable to day and why
b) why some people might steal
To find out further information please contact Karin Molson from Shire Hall Learning Team. Telephone 01600 775259 or send an email