Learning programme for schools
LSE Library schools programme
Exploring the archives workshop
In this 90-minute session, students will discover what an archive is, what an archivist does, and how to analyse primary sources. Students will develop research skills by analysing primary sources from the LSE archives, focusing on reform and records of social and political history from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Each session includes summary of topic, intro to archives, opportunities to analyse primary sources as a class and in small groups.
These sessions are suitable for KS 2,3, 4, and 5 (check topic). Archive materials used in session will be chosen to best suit the KS group in attendance.
Prior to attendance, the topic of the session must be chosen.
Max students per session: 20
Introduction to publishing workshop
In this session, students will learn about how book publishing works, how a book is made; from the initial idea to the finished product, what makes a good book cover, and how books can change the world.
Getting behind-the-scenes access to what it's like working for a professional academic publisher, students will expand their knowledge of professional career opportunities, as well as developing skills in creative thinking, illustrating, design, writing, and editing, through learning about the stages of book publishing from editorial, to production, marketing and publicity.
Each session includes an introduction to the topic and an interactive creative activity related to the chosen topic, giving insight into what it’s like to work in book publishing.
These sessions are suitable for KS 3, 4, and 5 and are run in collaboration with LSE Press and EvenUP. Sessions will be tailored around the chosen KS group in attendance. Sessions are up to 90-minutes.
LSE Library partner school programme
Suffragettes: On Trial and In the Archives
Visit the National Justice Museum team at the Royal Courts of Justice and The Women’s Library archives at LSE for an immersive, cross-site day, exploring suffragette history through the lens of the story and trial of suffragette Elsie Duval.
In the historic Royal Courts of Justice, students will take part in a courtroom workshop in a real working courtroom. Stepping into all the courtroom roles from witnesses to lawyers, they will enact a mock-trial taking them back to 1912 where Elsie Duval has been accused of throwing stones at a post office window. Through exploring her motivations and deciding her fate, they’ll consider the important issues surrounding women’s rights, protest, and punishment.
After the trial, students will visit the LSE Library to explore The Women’s Library’s collection of historical documents, including diaries, letters, and newspaper articles directly related to Elsie Duval’s case and the suffrage movement. This interactive experience encourages discussion and critical thinking about fairness, and the fight for the right to vote.
Alongside the courtroom workshop session resources, teachers will also be provided with comprehensive pre-visit and post-visit resources to enhance student’s learning in the classroom. More information from the National Justice Museum.
LSE campus tours and introductory presentation
The Student Recruitment and Study Abroad team regularly host school visits which include a tour of LSE's campus and an introductory presentation. The presentation covers study options at LSE, student life and the application process.
If you would like to be considered for an introductory presentation and campus tour as part of your Library workshop, please indicate this on your booking form.
Your request will be considered by the Student Recruitment and Study Abroad team subject to availability. This option is only available for students in year 12 or above.
More information for teachers and schools
Contact information
Contact LSE Library Learning and Engagement at library.learning@lse.ac.uk.