Meet King Henry VIII KS2

Meet Henry VIII and find out what really shaped his reign. In this engaging educator-in-role session, pupils move beyond the familiar stories of wives and weddings to explore Henry as a monarch, father and political figure.

They’ll hear about the wider Tudor dynasty, changes in religion and some of the key decisions Henry made at home and abroad. Along the way, pupils are encouraged to question his actions, consider Tudor values and think about how our view of Henry today might differ from the way he was seen in his own time.

What pupils do

• Meet King Henry VIII and learn about his life.
• Learn about the main changes in religion over his reign including the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
• Respond to historical scenarios and questions.
• Use questioning skills to find out more about Henry and his life. 

What to expect

• Takes place in a classroom-style learning space.
• Delivered in groups of up to 30 pupils.
• The session lasts approximately 45 minutes.
• Led by a costumed educator portraying King Henry VIII.
• A mainly seated, discussion-based session with opportunities for pupils to ask questions throughout.
• Costume and music help create an immersive atmosphere.
• The session is delivered at an age-appropriate level for Key Stage 2 pupils.

SEND & accessibility

• The learning space has level access.
• Toilets are located nearby.
• Easy access to outdoor space is available should a pupil need time away from the activity with an appropriate adult.
• The educator can adapt both the content and delivery to suit the needs of the group