Thurrock Trailblazer Cultural Catalogue 2019-20

RAINHAM
HALL
Rainham Hall, a National Trust property, is one of the country’s finest examples of an early 18th
century merchant’s home. A charming heritage site set among nearly three acres of garden,
nestled in the heart of Rainham village, on the far eastern fringes of London. Surrounded by a
contrasting landscape of big skies, wild marshland and thriving industry, Rainham Hall is part of a
conservation and interpretation project recently restored to open up a hidden piece of London’s
history. Today visitors enjoy the Georgian house, fine architectural features and gardens, while
discovering the Hall’s history through a changing exhibition programme.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
With engaging curriculum based sessions and
a year-round programme of exhibitions and
events, there is something for all ages as part
of a heritage site visit with the National Trust.
Rainham Hall has been home to a richly diverse
cast of characters. Drawing inspiration from
their lives the Hall tells some great stories,
starting with Captain John Harle, who built the
Hall and moving to 1960s Hall tenant, Vogue
photographer Anthony Denney.
HERITAGE VISIT & EXHIBITION
KS1 KS2 KS3
Offering a new exhibition experience -
launching in 2019 and running until 2021,
alongside artefacts and photographs from
Denney’s personal life, Rainham Hall will be
presented as if it were itself a magazine, with
spaces including the gardens representing
fashion, jewellery, arts, interiors, food,
gardening, and travel.
This immersive exhibition will offer
several links to the wider curriculum, focusing
on Denney’s life and career.
Denney was one of Conde Nast’s chief
photographers and his work featured in British
Vogue magazine (where he was Decoration
Editor) for nearly twenty years, and House and
Garden magazine as well as other influential
titles.
Working with creative partners The Decorators,
the National Trust will showcase the
different sides of Denney’s life and character,
as an influential tastemaker, master of still life,
art collector and patron, fashion photographer
and interior designer.
SUITABILITY
Curriculum based sessions are most suitable
for KS1-3 but the Hall is open for any age group
to visit.
DATES, LOCATION & FORMAT
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HERITAGE VISIT
It is essential to book your visit to Rainham
Hall in advance. Morning or afternoon visits are
available between 10:30-12:30 or 13:00-15:00;
each tour/session last approximately 45-60
minutes.
We can accommodate a maximum of two
classes to the site per day (of up to 30
students). Please note that we can only
accommodate a maximum of 15 students in
the Hall at one time. Therefore, groups of 15 or
more will need to be split into two and rotate
sessions (for example, one group will have a
tour of the Hall while the other has a tour of
the garden).
The National Trust stipulates a teacher/student
ratio of 1:8. There should be a minimum of
three adults per group. Teachers and
accompanying adults are responsible for the
behaviour and safety of their students.
Sessions can take place at any time of year
however, schools need to be aware that during
“The children really enjoyed the hall and found it interesting - they also
loved exploring in the gardens”
the winter months, Rainham Hall and garden
can be cold and wet therefore students and
teachers need to dress according to the
weather. A room for lunch can be provided if
requested prior to the visit.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Students are able to immerse themselves in
local historic surroundings
• Students will develop their knowledge of
how past inhabitants have shaped Rainham
Hall and society more widely
• Students will feel more confident in being
outdoors in the natural environment
CROSS-CURRICULAR LINKS
Cross curricular links can be made with History,
Science and Art & Design.
KS1-3 students can explore the history of the
Hall via tours of the current exhibition and
building, learning about the history of the Hall
itself and local area.
For upper KS1 and KS2 there are links to the
science curriculum, with visits looking at
habitats and species.
KS1-2 art students will look at the 1960s tenant
of the Hall, Vogue photographer Anthony
Denney and use it as inspiration for creating art
exploring texture and design.
TEACHER COMMITMENT & TRAINING
Most days are self-contained, however many
activities will require input and support from
accompanying teachers/adults.
School parties will also need to ensure there
is a first aider and first aid kit in at least one of
their class groups, ideally in both.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END?
All programs are designed to enhance national
curriculum learning through a heritage
environment and engage potential return visits
to the Hall, or other National Trust properties,
through discounted membership.
OTHER RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Teachers can come on a free pre-visit to
Rainham Hall.
Interested teachers can be part of our
Teacher’s Steering Group.
COSTS
School groups will need to purchase National
Trust Educational Group Membership (EGM) in
order to visit Rainham Hall. Education group
members receive FREE entry to ALL National
Trust sites during published opening times.
BENEFITS OF EDUCATION GROUP
MEMBERSHIP
EGM is specially designed to allow education
groups free entry to most places owned by
the National Trust. This type of membership is
for not-for-profit groups whose members or
students are in full-time education.
You will also receive:
• The annual Members’ Handbook
• The Trust’s membership mailings three
times a year, with our magazine
• FREE planning and preparation visits for
group leaders - these preliminary visits
should be booked in advance
• Subscriptions cover one year from the
month of joining
EGM costs are calculated by the number of
students on roll as below:
• £50 Under 50 pupils
• £80 51-100 pupils
• £95 101-200 pupils
• £100 201-500 pupils
• £120 Over 500 pupils
RECOMMENDED
This offer could complement the following:
• Coalhouse Fort: Heritage Visit
• Historic Royal Palaces: Heritage Visits
• SparkedEcho: Folk Songwriting
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