Learning at Paxton
Paxton House is committed to providing and developing educational use of the House, the collection and the estate as a stimulus to life-long education.
Cost per Child:
£3.00 half day
£3.50 full day
Accompanying Adults: No Charge
Free visit for teachers planning trips
Portrait Study - half day
The pictures in the house and gallery are used to examine different aspect of portraiture culminating in the children copying one in paint.
Victorian Servants - half day
Pupils can either come in costume or borrow from our selection, for a hands on session, learning what went on below stairs in a 19th century house. The session ends with the children having a chance to play with replicas of toys that are in the nursery.
Victorian School Room - half day (Can also be brought to your school)
Children become Victorian pupils and learn how different schooling was in the past. They are expected to join in with basic sums, reading, copybook and discipline although it is emphasized that this is role play.
Victorian Christmas - full day (as seen on TV)
The morning is spent learning the origin of many Christmas customs and making a Victorian style card. After lunch there is a traditional Christmas party in the Gallery.
Second World War - half day
Learn what life was like in the Borders during the war. Find out about ration books and gasmasks and what local children wrote in their school diary.
For Younger Children
Where is Paxton Ted? - approx 1 hr
Hunt for Paxton Ted in the house by finding clues and following a simple plan (for very young children - follow the foot prints). Various things are pointed out to the children about living in the past. Paxton Ted and his friends are found in the Gallery where a story is told relating to the grounds and involving the children.
This can be followed with craft activities based on Paxton Ted, and/or a trip to the adventure playground
Great Granny's Attic - approx 1 hr
Follow clues through the house to find the key to Great Granny's attic where there is a trunk full of items from a bygone age (mostly Victorian or replica) which the children can handle and discuss how they differ from modern equivalents. This can be followd by a short session with replica Victorian toys and/or art work based on traditional toys and games.
Outside Based Activities
Pond Dipping (equipment provided)
Depending on the level the children are working at they can be told what they have found or can use simple identification charts, or work to a higher level.
Mini Beasts (equipment provided)
Hunt for creepy crawlies among the rotting wood, and under stones. Level of work can be adapted to the pupils.
Nature Trails
'Brass rubbing' to fill a sheet, bark rubbing, wild flower or tree identification, fruits and seeds study can be added to the basic walk.
Habitat Walk
Examine some of the different habitats found on the Paxton Estate.
Environmental Games
A fun way to test your observational skills, learn about food webs and appreciate visual aspects of nature.
Teddy Trails
Spot eight bears hiding in the grounds can be done in conjunction with a short nature trail
Indoor Crafts can be added to outdoor based activities, painting plaster bugs, work sheets, printing with items collected on the walk.
Just ask and we can adapt activities to suit your pupils.
Fairies and Fairytales
Aimed at younger children following the Teddy Trail or Nature trail, spot the fairies in the trees and guess the story from the clues found.
Traditional Sports
Running, relay, skipping, bean bag, sack, egg and spoon races can be organized to complete your trip to Paxton House.