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
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Gain understanding of historical events (specific to topic) using primary sources as evidence
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To physically handle archive material/primary sources
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Learn what archives are and how they used to study history
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Identify difference between primary and secondary sources
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Understand perspective in primary sources
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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
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Internalise the process of analysing primary source documents
(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: Welfare from the Workhouse to the NHS (KS 2-5)
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LGBT+ Activism in the Twentieth Century (KS 4,5)
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Women’s Rights / Changing Role of Women (overview or specific period from 1900 to 2000) (KS3-5)*
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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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Visit to archive store room
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Critical thinking discussion
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Creative activity
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20 to 30 min tours of the university Library can be added to KS4 and 5 sessions
EPQ Workshop
We offer 2-hour introduction sessions, including an introduction to LSE Library and resources, on:
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
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.