documents on desks being handled by people

Learning programme for schools

Book a FREE 90-minute workshop to explore LSE Library archives or develop research skills for EPQ.

Exploring the archives workshop

In this 90-minute session, students will discover what an archive is, what an archivist does, and how to analyse primary sources. Students will develop research skills by analysing primary sources from the LSE archives, focusing on reform and records of social and political history from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. 
 
Each session includes summary of topic, intro to archives, opportunities to analyse primary sources as a class and in small groups, a visit to archive storeroom, and a hands-on creative activity.  

These sessions are suitable for KS 2,3, 4, and 5 (check topic). Archive materials used in session will be chosen to best suit the KS group in attendance. 

Prior attendance, the topic of the session must be chosen.  

Max students per session: 20 

Objectives

  • Introduce students to archives and how they are used
  • Identify difference between primary and secondary sources 
  • Gain understanding of historical events using primary sources as evidence 

  • Learn to apply critical thinking and analysis skills to primary sources 

  • Extract information to make informed judgments

Topics

(Must be chosen prior to visit) 

  • Suffrage Movement in the UK (KS2-5)* 

  • Charles Booth and Victorian London (KS3,4) 

  • The Peoples’ Health: William Beveridge and the formation of the NHS (KS 2-5) 

  • LGBT+ Activism in the Twentieth Century (KS 4,5)  

  • Introduction to The Women's Library (overview of the changing role of women from 1900 to 2000, KS3-5)

  • Women's Liberation Movement (KS2-5)
  • Bespoke session (please reach out if there is a topic you are interested in that is not listed here) 

* Can be offered as off-site session with presentation and handling materials within the M25 area 

Itinerary

  • Introduction to Library and Archives 

  • Introduction to primary sources 

  • How to analyse a primary source  

  • Group handling/analysing of archives 

  • Critical thinking discussion

  • 20 to 30 min tours of the university Library can be added to KS4 and 5 sessions

Introduction to publishing workshop

In this session, students will learn about how book publishing works, how a book is made; from the initial idea to the finished product, what makes a good book cover, and how books can change the world. 

Getting behind-the-scenes access to what it's like working for a professional academic publisher, students will expand their knowledge of professional career opportunities, as well as developing skills in creative thinking, illustrating, design, writing, and editing, through learning about the stages of book publishing from editorial, to production, marketing and publicity.   

Each session includes an introduction to the topic and an interactive creative activity related to the chosen topic, giving insight into what it’s like to work in book publishing. 

These sessions are suitable for KS 2, 3, 4, and 5 and are run in collaboration with LSE Press and EvenUP. Sessions will be tailored around the chosen KS group in attendance. Sessions are up to 90-minutes. 

WSPU leaders sitting around a table looking at papers together and writing.

EPQ workshop

We offer 2-hour introduction sessions, including an introduction to LSE Library and resources, on: 

  • Topic searches and evaluation of material 
  • Citing and referencing sources 

These sessions are suitable for Sixth Form or KS5 and 20 to 30 min tours of the university Library can be added.  

Max students per session: 20 

Objectives

  • Defining a topic for an extended project (essay / presentation) 

  • Breaking it down into keywords / concepts 

  • Applying key words into search engines (online, catalogues) 

  • Understanding different types of resources 

  • How to cite/reference resources

Itinerary

  • Intro to and tour of Library 

  • Define topic & research questions  

  • Key words / terms for research questions & think about search 

  • Different forms of searches and tips 

  • Library materials & different libraries: university resources

Book a workshop for your school

Workshops for Schools

  • These FREE 90-minute workshops are delivered at LSE Library, 10 Portugal Street, London, unless requested as an offsite session. This form is an expression of interest. Completion is not binding until confirmation of your workshop has been agreed in writing.

    For questions, contact c.m.collison@lse.ac.uk
  • Select a workshop option:
  • If you selected Exploring the Archives, please choose a topic:
  • Name
  • Proposed time of workshop
  • Would you like a 20-30 min Library tour? (K4 and 5 only)
  • Would you like to be considered for an LSE campus tour and introductory presentation of LSE study options, student life, and application process? (Year 11 and up only.)

 

LSE campus tours and introductory presentation

A group of people stood outside the Marshall Building by a big LSE sign.The Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad team (SMRSA) regularly host school visits which include a tour of LSE's campus and an introductory presentation. The presentation covers study options at LSE, student life and the application process.

If you would like to be considered for an introductory presentation and campus tour as part of your Library workshop, please indicate this on your booking form. 

Your request will be considered by the Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad team subject to availability. This option is only available for students in year 11 or above.

More information for teachers and schools.

Contact information 

Contact LSE Library Learning and Engagement at library.learning@lse.ac.uk.

General booking information

Booking

Ensure you book at least 3 weeks in advance as space is limited.

Organising your visit

We require the following teacher-pupil ratios: 

• Key Stage 1 & 2: 1 adult to 6 pupils 

• Key Stage 3, 4 & 5: 1 adult to 15 pupils 

Maximum 20 pupils per session 

Special Educational Needs (SEN) groups should contact the Learning & Engagement officer to discuss tailored sessions and requirements at library.learning@lse.ac.uk

Our risk assessment is available on request. 

Travel directions

LSE Library, 10 Portugal Street, London, WC2A 2HD 

Nearest Underground Station: Holborn  

Parking is extremely limited; it is highly advisable to travel by public transport only. 

A staff member will meet your group in the Gallery on the immediate left as you enter LSE Library at the agreed date and time.  

Book a workshop

Workshops for Schools

  • These FREE 90-minute workshops are delivered at LSE Library, 10 Portugal Street, London, unless requested as an offsite session. This form is an expression of interest. Completion is not binding until confirmation of your workshop has been agreed in writing.

    For questions, contact c.m.collison@lse.ac.uk
  • Select a workshop option:
  • If you selected Exploring the Archives, please choose a topic:
  • Name
  • Proposed time of workshop
  • Would you like a 20-30 min Library tour? (K4 and 5 only)
  • Would you like to be considered for an LSE campus tour and introductory presentation of LSE study options, student life, and application process? (Year 11 and up only.)