Education

Understanding rivers

The workshop helps pupils to understand river processes, with reference to the River Thames, and to develop their knowledge and understanding of geographical vocabulary. It also introduces children to the idea that rivers are more than a geographical feature. Rivers are habitats, trade routes, places of work, places for leisure activities and environments which need to be carefully managed, if all these activities are to be sustained successfully alongside each other.

Key stage two: Geography

Image: © David Davidson

River of life

Using the environment of the River Thames pupils will develop their scientific skills of observation and identification to name and group living things in different ways and identify their suitability to their environment (adaptation).
Pupils will also investigate predator/ prey relationships, and the idea of simple food chains.

Key stage one or two: Science

Flood

The workshop aims to enhance understanding of the river processes, flooding, and the balance between human an  environmental relationships in a river drainage basin. In addition, students will learn about large-scale management methods along the River Thames and review advantages and disadvantages of different flood protection methods.
The workshop primarily focuses on the Thames, with a particular emphasis on the area between the River & Rowing Museum and Marsh Lock.

Key stage three: Geography

Image: © David Davidson

Building bridges

The workshop aims to help children work in small teams to understand bridges as structures. Children learn that structures can fail when overloaded and that techniques can be used to reinforce and strengthen structures, such as folding, joining, using cylinders, arches, and triangular shapes. Pupils will measure a bridge’s load and span. The workshop also aims to help children use a range of first and secondhand evidence from
the Henley and River Galleries to learn about the history of Henley Bridge.

Key stage one or two: Science and history

Image: © David Davidson

Wind in the Willows

The workshop provides creative challenges, which explore the connections between Grahame’s characters and the real habitats and wildlife that inspired them.

Key stage one or two: English and science

Toad and friends

The workshop aims to give pupils a chance to explore and discover the wider world in a safe and unique environment. It links to many Early Learning goals and introduces pupils to the Museum setting and collections using the story of the Wind in the Willows.

Foundation: Art & design, music