Docklands self-led gallery trails

This trail helps key stage 2 pupils explore the Docklands at War gallery and investigate how the Second World War impacted London’s docks and its communities.

Learning objectives

Through the activities, pupils will:

• learn about wartime objects like shelters
• learn about the Blitz and London during the Second World War
• look closely at objects and use them as evidence about the past
• share ideas and express their own opinions

The Sailortown gallery is an exciting recreation of a street that served sailors coming to and from London. This print-friendly trail will help your key stage 2 pupils explore the gallery, encouraging them to discover what life was like for sailors who spent time in streets like Sailortown.

Learning objectives

Through the activities, pupils will:

• learn about who sailors were, and what they needed
• learn about types of shops, goods, and services in the 19th century
• look closely at objects and use them as evidence about the past
• share ideas and express their own opinions

Explore the No. 1 Warehouse gallery with this activity trail for key stage 2 pupils. Pupils will search for clues, think about how objects were used, and learn how life has changed since the warehouse’s heyday in the 19th century.

Learning objectives

Through the activities, pupils will:

• learn about objects used in the warehouse, like scales and tools
• learn about people who worked in the warehouse
• look closely at objects and use them as evidence about the past
• share ideas and express their own opinions

This trail for the No. 1 Warehouse gallery is aimed at key stage 3 and 4. The trail encourages pupils to think more deeply about the objects around them, and make connections to wider narratives about trade and empire.

Learning objectives

Through the activities, pupils will:

• learn about the people who worked in the warehouse
• consider London’s place in global trade
• look closely at objects and use them as evidence about the past
• share ideas and express their own opinions

Discover a century of London’s trade and social history with your key stage 2 pupils and investigate the vibrant life of the docks in the Warehouse of the World and First Port of Empire galleries. Through close looking and sharing ideas, pupils will investigate objects and explore where they came from, the people and places connected to them, and what they can tell us about London's history.

Learning objectives

Through the activities, pupils will:

• learn about London’s role in global trade and exchange
• think about the people connected to the docks
• look closely at objects and use them as evidence about the past
• share ideas and express their own opinions