Bring Maritime History to Life in Your Classroom
Free, curriculum-aligned programmes for UK schools, covering Tudor voyages to modern trade routes. We provide workshops, teacher resources, and interactive learning for Key Stages 2-4. All programmes fully funded — no cost to schools.
School Programmes
Structured programmes for Key Stages 2-4, from Tudor exploration to Victorian steamships. Each one comes with lesson plans, artefact kits, and interactive activities. 90-minute sessions in your classroom.
Explore ProgrammesTeacher Resources
Free downloadable lesson plans, PowerPoints, and activity sheets, all aligned with the national curriculum. You'll also get assessment rubrics and differentiation strategies. Updated termly with new content.
Download ResourcesWorkshop Calendar
Interactive workshops at our London docklands centre, or we can come to your school. Limited availability — book now for 2025/26 academic year.
View CalendarSchool Programmes – Structured Programmes
Each programme is designed for a 90-minute classroom session and includes:
- Pre-visit teacher pack with lesson plans and curriculum links
- Artefact handling kit with replica historical items
- Interactive activities and group challenges
- Post-visit assessment materials and extension activities
- Differentiated resources for mixed-ability classes
Key Stage 2: Tudor Exploration
Discover the voyages of Drake, Raleigh, and Cabot – what did they find, and why did it matter? Students handle replica artefacts, plot routes on historical maps, and debate exploration's impact. Perfect for Year 5-6 history topics.
Curriculum links: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality; the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements.
Book for Your ClassKey Stage 3: Industrial Revolution at Sea
How did steam power change maritime trade? Students analyse primary sources, build simple steam engines, and explore industrialisation's social impact. Links to Year 8-9 history and design technology.
Curriculum links: Britain as the first industrial nation; the impact of significant turning points in British history; the development of trade and industry.
Book for Your ClassKey Stage 4: Modern Maritime Trade
From containerisation to Brexit – how does global trade work? Students simulate port operations, analyse trade data, and debate ethical issues. Ideal for GCSE geography and business studies.
Curriculum links: The UK's evolving human landscape; globalisation and economic interdependence; the changing economic world.
Book for Your Class
Teacher Resources – Everything You Need
Free, curriculum-aligned resources for Key Stages 2-4, all available for immediate download. No registration needed.
Lesson Plans
Detailed 60-minute lesson plans with learning objectives, starter activities, main tasks, and plenaries. Each plan includes:
- National curriculum links
- Differentiation strategies
- Assessment opportunities
- Extension activities
- Resource lists
PowerPoint Presentations
Ready-to-use presentations with high-quality images, maps, and diagrams. Each slide includes:
- Speaker notes with key facts
- Discussion questions
- Activity instructions
- Video embeds (where applicable)
- Accessible colour schemes
Activity Sheets
Printable worksheets and templates for classroom activities. These include:
- Source analysis tasks
- Map work exercises
- Creative writing prompts
- Design and technology challenges
- Assessment rubrics
All resources are available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License — you're free to adapt and share for educational purposes.
Request Custom ResourcesWorkshop Calendar – Book Your Session
We offer two types of workshops:
- In-school workshops: Our educators visit your classroom with all the resources. Available nationwide – we cover travel costs for schools within 50 miles of London.
- Docklands centre workshops: Bring your class to our London centre for an immersive experience, including a guided tour of historic vessels and access to our artefact collection.
2025/26 Academic Year Availability
Autumn Term 2025
- September: 15-19, 22-26
- October: 6-10, 13-17, 20-24
- November: 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28
- December: 1-5, 8-12
Spring Term 2026
- January: 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30
- February: 2-6, 9-13, 23-27
- March: 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27
Limited availability – book now to secure your preferred dates.
Request BookingDocklands Centre Facilities
- Fully accessible venue
- On-site café for packed lunches
- Coach parking available
- Risk assessments provided
- First aid trained staff on site
Curriculum Alignment — How We Support Your Teaching
Our programmes are designed to support the national curriculum for history, geography, and design technology at Key Stages 2-4. Here's how we align with key curriculum areas:
History
- Key Stage 2: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality; the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements; a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066.
- Key Stage 3: The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745; ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901; challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.
- GCSE: Thematic studies (e.g., migration, empire, trade); British depth studies (e.g., Elizabethan England, Restoration England); world depth studies (e.g., the American West).
Geography
- Key Stage 2: Locational knowledge; place knowledge; human and physical geography; geographical skills and fieldwork.
- Key Stage 3: Human geography, including economic activity, urbanisation, and the use of natural resources; geographical skills and fieldwork.
- GCSE: The challenge of resource management; the changing economic world; urban issues and challenges; the living world.
Design & Technology
- Key Stage 2: Design, make, evaluate and technical knowledge — including understanding how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.
- Key Stage 3: Design, make, evaluate and technical knowledge — including understanding how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world; making links between design and technology and other subjects.
Cross-Curricular Links
- English: Speaking and listening activities; creative writing prompts; source analysis skills.
- Maths: Data analysis; measurement and scale; problem-solving activities.
- Science: Properties of materials; forces and motion; environmental impact.
- Citizenship: Debating ethical issues; understanding global interdependence; exploring cultural diversity.
All our programmes include pre- and post-visit activities to help you integrate maritime history into your broader curriculum planning.
Download Full Curriculum Mapping Document (PDF)Learning Outcomes – What Students Gain
Our programmes are designed to develop a range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Here's what students can expect to gain:
Knowledge & Understanding
- Key events and individuals in British maritime history
- The role of maritime trade in shaping Britain's economy and society
- The impact of technological change on maritime industries
- The relationship between Britain and the wider world through maritime connections
- How historians use evidence to understand the past
Skills Development
- Source analysis and critical thinking
- Map reading and geographical skills
- Problem-solving and teamwork
- Creative thinking and design skills
- Communication and presentation skills
Attitudes & Values
- Curiosity about the past and its relevance to the present
- Respect for different cultures and perspectives
- Awareness of global interdependence
- Appreciation for the impact of technological change
- Understanding of the importance of sustainability in maritime industries
Assessment Opportunities
Each programme includes built-in assessment opportunities to help you evaluate student progress:
- Formative assessment: Observation checklists, exit tickets, and discussion prompts.
- Summative assessment: End-of-session quizzes, creative projects, and written tasks.
- Self-assessment: Reflection sheets and peer feedback activities.
- Teacher assessment: Rubrics and marking schemes aligned with national curriculum levels.
All assessment materials are provided in the teacher pack for each programme.
Student Feedback
"I never knew history could be this exciting — I loved handling the real artefacts!" — Year 6 student, London
"The workshop helped me understand how trade works — now I see ships in a completely different way." — Year 9 student, Manchester
What Teachers Say About Our Programmes
"The Tudor exploration workshop was a highlight of our history topic. The students were engaged from start to finish, and handling the artefacts really brought the period to life. The pre-visit resources were excellent – everything we needed to prepare the class."
— Sarah Jennings, Year 5 Teacher, St. Mary's Primary School, Bristol
"We've used the Industrial Revolution at Sea programme for three years running. The quality of the resources and the educators' expertise are consistently outstanding. The students particularly enjoy building the steam engines – it's a great way to link history and design technology."
— James Whitaker, Head of History, Oakwood Secondary School, Leeds
"The Modern Maritime Trade workshop was perfect for our GCSE geography students. The simulation helped them understand the complexities of global trade in a way textbooks can't. The educator was knowledgeable and approachable – the students felt comfortable asking questions and debating ideas."
— Aisha Patel, Geography Teacher, Riverside Academy, Birmingham
Book Your Educational Programme Today
Ready to bring maritime history to life in your classroom? Complete this short form to request a booking – we'll confirm availability within 48 hours.
Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on +44 20 839 659 65 or email support@BritishMaritimeHistory.com – we're happy to help.