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, a visit to archive storeroom, and a hands-on creative activity.
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 attendance, the topic of the session must be chosen.
Max students per session: 20
- Introduce students to archives and how they are used.
- Identify difference between primary and secondary sources.
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Gain understanding of historical events using primary sources as evidence.
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Learn to apply critical thinking and analysis skills to primary sources.
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Extract information to make informed judgments.
(Must be chosen prior to visit)
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Suffrage Movement in the UK (KS2-5)*
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Charles Booth and Victorian London (KS3,4)
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The Peoples’ Health: William Beveridge and the formation of the NHS (KS 2-5)
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LGBT+ Activism in the Twentieth Century (KS 4,5)
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Introduction to The Women's Library (overview of the changing role of women from 1900 to 2000, KS3-5)
- Women's Liberation Movement (KS2-5)
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Bespoke session (please reach out if there is a topic you are interested in that is not listed here)
* Can be offered as off-site session with presentation and handling materials within the M25 area
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Introduction to Library and Archives.
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Introduction to primary sources.
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How to analyse a primary source.
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Group handling/analysing of archives.
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Critical thinking discussion.
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20 to 30 min tours of the university Library can be added to KS4 and 5 sessions.
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.
- Visit both a working court and a university library and working archive.
- Examine original archival material to gain a social and historical context of the suffrage movement.
- Prepare for and enact a mock trial based on the real case of suffragette, Elsie Duval.
- Learn about the role of the courts in the suffrage movement in the UK.
- Discuss and debate historical sentencing options and compare these to sentencing options in the present day.
- Curriculum Links: History, Citizenship, Law.
- Suitable for: Key Stage 2 groups.
- Key Skills Enhanced Include: Public speaking, historical enquiry, critical thinking.
- Location: Royal Courts of Justice, and London School of Economics Library. Groups will need to make their own arrangements between venues, however the walk should not exceed 10 minutes.
- Duration: The day runs from 10:15-14:15. This includes 3hrs in sessions, and a 45-minute lunch break.
- Number of students: Maximum of 30 (This number cannot be exceeded due to space restrictions).
- Cost: £9.50 per pupil. 25% discount available subject to eligibility.
Email NJM London Learning Manager Gemma Black to book, or for any queries.
10:15am: Arrival at Royal Courts of Justice
10:30am to 12:30pm: Courtroom Workshop with National Justice Museum at Royal Courts of Justice
12:30pm to 1:15pm: Lunch break (Groups to make own arrangements. Lincoln’s Inn Fields is recommended)
1:15pm to 2:15pm: Archive workshop at LSE Library
2:15pm: Depart
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 2, 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.
EPQ workshop
We offer 2-hour introduction sessions, including an introduction to LSE Library and resources, on:
- Topic searches and evaluation of material
- Citing and referencing sources
These sessions are suitable for Sixth Form or KS5 and 20 to 30 min tours of the university Library can be added.
Max students per session: 20
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Defining a topic for an extended project (essay / presentation).
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Breaking it down into keywords / concepts.
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Applying key words into search engines (online, catalogues).
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Understanding different types of resources.
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How to cite/reference resources.
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Intro to and tour of Library.
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Define topic & research questions.
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Key words / terms for research questions & think about search.
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Different forms of searches and tips.
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Library materials & different libraries: university resources.
LSE campus tours and introductory presentation
The Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad team (SMRSA) 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 Marketing, 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.
General booking information
Ensure you book at least 3 weeks in advance as space is limited.
We require the following teacher-pupil ratios:
• Key Stage 1 & 2: 1 adult to 6 pupils
• Key Stage 3, 4 & 5: 1 adult to 15 pupils
Maximum 20 pupils per session
Special Educational Needs (SEN) groups should contact the Learning & Engagement officer to discuss tailored sessions and requirements at library.learning@lse.ac.uk.
Our risk assessment is available on request.
LSE Library, 10 Portugal Street, London, WC2A 2HD
Nearest Underground Station: Holborn
Parking is extremely limited; it is highly advisable to travel by public transport only.
A staff member will meet your group in the Gallery on the immediate left as you enter LSE Library at the agreed date and time.