Welcome to Northern Forge (Est. 2011) specialists in history-focused education outreach workshops, residential tours, and dramatic combat training!

Here at Northern Forge you will find information on in-person educational Schools Outreach sessions and Virtual Outreach sessions hosted online.

Bring History to Life in Your Classroom

Hands-on Key Stage 2 history workshops for primary schools, exploring Viking, Anglo-Saxon and medieval life through artefacts, storytelling and interactive learning.

Northern Forge delivers engaging outreach days designed to support the National Curriculum while giving pupils a memorable experience of the past.

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History Workshops for Primary Schools

Northern Forge provides immersive history workshops designed for Key Stage 2 pupils (Years 3–6).

Each visit brings historical themes to life through:

• Replica artefacts and objects
• Storytelling and historical narratives
• Interactive activities and discussion
• Exploration of daily life in the past

Workshops are designed to support classroom learning while creating a memorable experience that encourages curiosity about history.

Visits can be arranged for individual classes, year groups, or whole school history days.

Workshop Topics

Northern Forge currently offers workshops exploring key topics within the Key Stage 2 history curriculum.

Life in the Roman Britain

Pupils discover aspects of everyday medieval life, including work, food, homes and beliefs, using objects and discussion to explore how people lived in the past.

Anglo-Saxon England

An exploration of Anglo-Saxon society, kingship and settlement. Pupils investigate objects and stories that reveal how people lived in early medieval England.

Viking Life

Pupils explore the world of the Vikings through artefacts, storytelling and discussion. Sessions examine daily life, trade, travel and the beliefs of Norse culture.

The Norman Conquest

A workshop examining the events of 1066 and the impact of Norman rule on England, including changes to society, castles and power.

Curriculum Linked Learning

Northern Forge workshops are designed to support the Key Stage 2 history curriculum within the National Curriculum for England.

Sessions encourage pupils to:

• Understand how people lived in the past
• Explore historical sources and objects
• Develop chronological understanding
• Ask questions about evidence and interpretation
• Build curiosity and enthusiasm for history

Workshops complement classroom learning while providing a more direct and engaging experience of historical topics.

How a School Visit Works

Northern Forge visits are designed to fit easily into a normal school day.

Typical structure

1. Introductory storytelling session introducing the historical period
2. Artefact investigation and discussion
3. Interactive activities exploring key themes from the topic
4. Opportunities for pupils to ask questions and reflect on what they have learned

Visits can be adapted depending on:

• number of classes
• year group
• time available during the school day

All artefacts and materials are provided.

Practical Information for Schools

• Suitable for Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)
• Delivered at your school
• Sessions suitable for classes or year groups
• All artefacts and materials provided
• Space required: classroom or school hall

Further details, including scheduling and availability, can be discussed when booking.

Safeguarding and Professional Standards

Northern Forge works with schools regularly and understands the importance of professional standards when delivering sessions in educational settings.

• Enhanced DBS checked
• Public liability insurance
• Experience working with primary school pupils

Risk assessments and further documentation can be provided if required.

About Northern Forge

Northern Forge was created to bring history to life for pupils through artefacts, stories and hands-on exploration.

By giving pupils the opportunity to examine objects, hear stories from the past and ask questions about how people lived, workshops encourage curiosity and deeper engagement with historical topics.

Northern Forge works with primary schools to create experiences that support classroom learning while making history memorable and accessible.

Book a School Visit

If you are planning a history topic and would like to arrange a workshop for your pupils, Northern Forge would be delighted to hear from you.

Enquire about availability or request further information.

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Book a Workshop

Northern Forge's award winning sister company The Original Viking Walk no-longer offers regular Saturday evening tours but schools and tourist groups can book private bespoke tours showcasing the best of York's long and storied history; and it does not have to be centred solely on the Vikings, though that is where we started all those years ago.

Why not add yourself to our mailing list, or keep up to date with us by using our Twitter/X and Facebook buttons below?  This will tell you as and when courses are announced; not to mention special offers and discount codes on weaponry.

If you have any enquiries or questions then please do drop us a line at info.northernforge@gmail.com
We'd love to hear from you.
 

 

Neil T.  ^{BA (Hons), BADC, PGCE, FHEA}
(Founder)