Secondary
The Foundling Museum offers two Secondary sessions. To book either of the sessions described below you must download and complete a booking form. Booking information is provided at the bottom of the page.
The Real Coram Boy, KS3 & KS4
What was daily life really like for children growing up without their families at the Foundling Hospital? What social and economic conditions in eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth century England led to parents leaving their children to be brought up there? What happened to the Foundlings when they grew up and had to make their own way in the world?
This session uses original archive material, discussion, role play and gallery exploration to answer these questions. Your class will also have an exciting opportunity to interview a former pupil of the Foundling Hospital*. As well as being perfect for students studying Jamila Gavin’s novel Coram Boy, the session would also benefit any class as an extension of its history and citizenship studies.
*Wherever possible, we will arrange a face-to-face interview. When this is not possible we will substitute a genuine oral history recording.
National Curriculum links:
History 2a, 2b, 4a
English En1 – 4a, 8c, 9a, 10a, 11a
Citizenship – 2c, 3
“The Master of us all”: The Life and Music of Handel
KS4, GCSE & A Level Music
One of history’s greatest composers, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was a Governor and benefactor of the Foundling Hospital. Annual performances of Handel’s oratorio Messiah provided the charity with vital income and tickets were in great demand by 18th-century London’s ‘in crowd’.
Students gain unique access to priceless historical artefacts. In addition to the score and parts of Messiah bequeathed to the Hospital, the Museum houses the Gerald Coke Handel Collection, an internationally important collection of material relating to Handel and his contemporaries. This fantastic resource includes manuscripts, printed books and music, libretti, paintings and engravings, memorabilia, art works and ephemera (including Handel’s own tuning fork!).
This session will be tailored to support your group’s course studies and is lead by a Gerald Coke Handel Collection archivist. Contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Booking Information
All group visits must be booked in advance. Sessions are avialable Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Charges for sessions include Museum admission.
Students under 18 years — £2 each (minimum fee £30 per class)
Students over 18 years — £5 each (minimum fee £30 per class)
All staff and helpers — FREE
Class leader must make payment during the group’s visit by cheque or credit or debit card. Space for eating packed lunches must be booked in advance and is subject to availability. To book a session, or to find out more please complete a booking form and contact the Learning Department or call 020 7841 3605.
Download booking forms below
Images: From the Collection of tokens left by mothers who entrusted their babies into the care of the Foundling Hospital © The Foundling Museum and Score of Messiah © Coram in the care of the Foundling Museum
