English & English Literature School Trips to London

A WST tour to London will support the study of numerous elements of the following exam board specifications:

AQA

• GCSE English Language (8700 & 8702)
• A-A/S Level English Language (7701, 7702, 7706, 7711, 7716)

Edexcel

• GCSE English Language
• A-A/S English Language

OCR

• GCSE English Language (J351)
• A-A/S Level English Language (H070, H470, H074, H474, H072 & H472))

WJEC

• GCSE English Language
• A-A/S Level English Language

CURRENT CURRICULUM LINKED PLAYS

Shakespeare's Globe 

The 2023 Season at Shakespeare's Globe includes:

A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Comedy of Errors
Macbeth
As You Like It

Performances run on a series of selected dates from 27th April to 29th October 2023. Contact us for more details. 

Woman in Black | Fortune Theatre, West End London

A gripping production adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, currently in its 26th year in London's West end. This Gothic style ghost story will inspire students to study both Victorian Literature and also love across the ages.

WALKING TOURS

Working with Women of London tours, we have designed a bespoke guided walking tour which, through a range of external visits, will to cover:

• A range of genres including Comedy, Crime novels, Drama, Gothic Literature and Adventure novels
• Authors such as: William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy L Sayers, Bram Stoker, Virginia Woolf and Oscar Wilde 

During this tour you will have a chance to explore theatre through the centuries; examine the changing nature of comedic literature and consider both the role of patronage in artistic and intellectual circles, and the limitations placed on women writers in Victorian Britain.

Charles Dickens Walking Tour (90 mins)

For English literature London school trips, taking part in a Dickens walk gives students the opportunity to examine the life of Dickens through visiting places that shaped his life – from humble beginnings to his legacy as one of Britain’s greatest literary figures.  Dickens went on long rambling walks around London, taking in the sights and sounds, observing people and places, and using them as inspiration for his timeless stories and characters.

Using excerpts from Dickens’s novels, insights from those who knew Dickens personally and his own expert knowledge, Richard aims to bring Dickens’s London to life for those who join him on his walks!

In the Footsteps of Dickens and Shakespeare

London provided inspiration to both Shakespeare and Dickens. It stimulated their imaginations and provided the backdrop against which they set their most memorable scenes featuring some of their greatest characters.

On this fascinating journey you will follow in their footsteps along the south bank of the River Thames and explore a truly atmospheric area of hidden riverside pathways, dark, imposing Victorian warehouses and cobblestones streets, all of which are set amidst the nooks and corners of a bygone age.

In the Footsteps of Charles Dickens

This is a truly magical journey through the streets and to the places with which the name of Charles Dickens is indelibly linked. Indeed, the area that we explore on this walk is brim full with Dickensian locations – places he knew, places he lived in and places he wrote about. 

The Sherlock Holmes Mystery Trail

It was in the streets of the Metropolis that Holmes – accompanied, of course, by his faithful sidekick, Dr. John H. Watson – pitted his wits against some of literature’s most dastardly villains and pondered some of its most baffling cases.

The highways and byways of London are as integral a feature of Holmes and Watson’s adventures as are the main characters themselves, and no story would be complete without a brisk stroll, or knuckle-clenching carriage chase, through the fog enshrouded thoroughfares of the Victorian or Edwardian Metropolis.

So, come on a journey of discovery that follows in the footsteps of Holmes and Watson through the alleyways and courtyards of an area that features in more of their adventures than any other part of London.

WORKSHOPS

WWI POETRY SESSION AT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

In this 90 minute session suitable for KS4 or KS5, students use original artefacts and archive material from IWM’s collection to analyse Wilfred Owen’s poem “Disabled”. Ideal for English school trips to London, they use evidence to understand the historical context in which the poem was written and compare their conclusions to Owen’s interpretation of a disabled soldier’s life.  Skills utilised include;

• Investigating artefacts and original documents
• Developing links between a literary text and contextual information
• Developing interpretation skills
• Working effectively as a group to prepare a presentation

CHARLES DICKENS HOUSE, MUSEUM AND WORKSHOP  

These workshops are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only.  

Number 48 Doughty Street was an important place in Charles Dickens's life where he resided from 1837 until 1839.  Rooms are decorated in the early Victorian style that Dickens would have favoured and personal possessions of Dickens from his lifetime as well as manuscripts, rare editions, letters and portraits are on display. Students will explore the house following a self-guided activity trail. Each school group visit will receive a taught workshop to choose from the two options below: 

The Art of the Monthly Part: KS3 & 4 English

Students analyse Dickens’s use of language and his presentation of character in the novel Great Expectations, using the author’s preferred monthly part publication format as inspiration for collaborative enlarged front covers using mixed media. Students have the opportunity to explore and experiment with a range of materials to convey ideas and meanings.

The Author’s Craft: KS3 and 4 English

Taught manuscript workshop looking at how Dickens crafted his work. Culminating in a new collaborative manuscript from each group based around a particular setting or theme. Pupils understand how texts relate to the social and historical context in which they were written and learn to shape meaning and evaluate ideas and effect in their own writing.

DR. JOHNSON'S HOUSE AND WORKSHOPS 

During an English London school trip, students can mull over Johnson's great Dictionary in the Garret where it was written. Take the new audio-visual tour and discover Johnson's fascinating life and try on the Georgian costumes and explore with the family trail.

KS3 &4 English Workshops

Dr Johnson's House runs English workshops for secondary pupils based around Johnson's Dictionary and Black History.

A-Level English Workshop

Johnson's 1775 ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’ is directly linked to the A-level English unit on Language Change. For English literature school trips to London, this popular workshops focus on bringing the Dictionary to life and giving the students a sense of the context in which it was written, before taking a detailed look at the work itself.

Students have the chance to browse eighteenth-century copies of Johnson's Dictionary from our collection, look at examples of change in the meanings of words and language use, and explore Johnson's attitudes to language change together with the impact of his work.

CITY ACADEMY WRITING WORKSHOPS (90 mins)

City Academy’s writing workshops are an opportunity for students to free their imagination and tell an original story. Options include…

Creative Writing

This workshop gives students the opportunity to try their hand at different forms of writing. From poetry to prose, short stories to drama, students will be working with a professional writer to hone their writing style with fun and constructive writing exercises to inspire ideas considering plot structure and narrative.

Sitcom Writing

An ideal session for groups wanting to have some fun coming up with their own sitcom, or want to know a bit more about how sitcom stories are formed, or perhaps are interested in the differences between British and American situation comedies. 

You’ll start to explore skills including, creating a central and antagonistic character, plotting, work, rest and play, and conflict, secrets & lies.

Scriptwriting

If students need help bringing ideas to life, this session includes practical exercises, group interaction and feedback from your expert teacher. Groups will consider an introduction to plot structure, look at using classical dramatic narrative and learn how to 'trigger' their imagination and free themselves as a script writer.

Communication, Presentation and Public Speaking Skills

The team at City Academy are performance experts whose experience goes far beyond the world of theatre and film. Using performance training, this workshop help students with both business and personal skills which can be used in everyday life.

Poetry Workshop (2 hr)

This practical session is ran by an expert who focuses on guiding the group through the creative process to culminate in a poem of their own. This includes;

• Overview and discussion of poetic writing as a medium
• Practical exercises encouraging the students to creatively respond to given theme/s
• Participating in discussion; sharing each other’s' work and providing feedback

THE POETRY LIBRARY AT THE SOUTH BANK CENTRE

The Southbank centre welcomes visits from schools and will adapt a visit  to help you get the most out of the collection and other opportunities at Southbank Centre.  Students can research a particular poet, explore the  UK's largest collection of modern poetry, research a particular subject and even discover how to publish poetry.

THE ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE

Bring your learning to life with a visit to the Royal Courts of Justice for a school visit unlike any other. The National Citizenship and Law (NCCL) specialises in providing a range of innovative activities to suit your classroom based learning, all within the magnificent setting of one of Britain’s most prestigious working courtrooms. Your group can choose from a wide range of quality learning experiences, including:

Court In Session

This two hour session takes place in a working court room and around the courts.  Students will:

• Be introduced to the Royal Courts of Justice and what happens there
• Prepare and enact a trial based on an ex-offender’s experiences
• Explore roles in a court room and meet a legal professional where possible
• Discuss and debate real sentencing options
• Discover key spaces in the Royal Courts of Justice

Motion To Appeal

This two hour session takes place in a working court room and around the courts. Students will:

• Be introduced to the Royal Courts of Justice and what happens there
• Prepare for and debate an appeal case which has been heard at the Royal Courts of Justice (this can be a broader debate or one that focuses on a particular point of law)
• Explore roles in a court room and meet a legal professional where possible
• Discover key spaces in the Royal Courts of Justice

The capital offers a great choice of museums and attractions, many of which are an ideal complement to their learning and can be free for students during an English & English Literature school trip to London..

Highlights of London

A half day guided tour of the city on board your coach is a perfect way to see all the major sites. Highly recommended if this is a first time visit to London for many of your students.

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Always in the evening and at its best when London is cold and misty, this eerie tour takes students back in time to 1888 to follow in the footsteps of the London Metropolitan Police as they try to catch a killer. 

Guided tour of the London 2012 Olympic Sites

Following the outstanding success of the world’s greatest sporting event, there is now huge interest in seeing the area where our athletes won their medals.  This 2 – 2½ hour walk begins at Pudding Mill Lane and takes in the exteriors of the Aquatic Centre, the Stadium, Handball Arena (The Copper Box), the Velodrome and also the new I-City (formerly the International Press Centre). For an additional fee we can pre-book visits inside the Copper Box, the Aquatics Centre and the Orbit within your walking tour. 

Arcelormittal Orbit & 'Ride The Slide' 

With breath-taking views of London, the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide and the UK’s highest freefall abseil, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the UK’s most exciting viewing platform. 

Enjoy a breath-taking panorama of up to 20 miles across London through stunning floor to ceiling windows before experiencing the city’s landmarks from the outside observation walkway suspended 262ft above the ground. Discover sights including Wembley Stadium, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf and get an exclusive bird’s eye view of the iconic sporting venues of London 2012. 

The Slide: A hair-raising experience that’s not for the feint-hearted? Hold on tight through the twists, turns and drops of the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide as it weaves its way through the iconic red steel frame of the UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit. 

Enjoy the 40 second descent in the 584ft long slide through light and dark sections at speeds of up to 15mph as The Slide loops its way around the ArcelorMittal Orbit 12 times taking visitors through gentle curves, thrilling drops and a tight corkscrew. Take a Look > https://youtu.be/N7ee2ExjhUc

Art Galleries Of London

London has a great range of art galleries, which have free entrance and all offer downloadable resources and education programmes. The most popular galleries are:

• National Gallery
• National Portrait Gallery
• Tate Britain
• Tate Modern
• Victoria & Albert  

British Museum

With more than 7 million objects within its collections, the British Museum illustrates and documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

HMS Belfast

Visit HMS Belfast to discover what life was like for those who lived and worked on board this last remaining warship of its kind. Nine decks of amazing seafaring history provide countless opportunities to explore and discover for students where you can hear sailors’ stories in the Life at Sea exhibition. 

Houses Of Parliament

Free guided tours are available throughout the year by requesting a place through your MP or a member of the House of Lords.

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum covers conflicts involving Britain from the First World War through to the present day. The Centenary of the First World War is highly topical and with it’s new First World War galleries the IWM is a must for any group visiting London.

London Dungeon

The London Dungeon combines real history, horror and humour to bring gruesome goings-on back to life in the 21st century. A thrilling and exciting trip that students will love, with actors recreating events such as the Great fire of London, Sweeney Todd, the Plague and Jack the Ripper. 

London Eye

Breath-taking sights make the London Eye a highlight of the city which you should not miss!

Madame Tussauds

A thrilling and exciting  visit containing inspiring wax works of some of the world’s most influential and famous people. Galleries include  Sport, World Leaders, The Royal Family and Music along with the Spirit of London ride and Marvel Super Heroes 4D experience.

Museum Of London

Step inside Museum of London for a memorable journey through London’s unsettled history. Telling London's story students can enjoy the prehistoric, Roman and medieval London galleries through to the present day.

Natural History Museum

Hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits including the ultimate dinosaur exhibition, a human biology section or visit 'Investigate' -an exciting new hands-on science centre perfect for engaging students.

Ripley's, Believe It Or Not 

Based in the heart of the West End, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is the most wonderfully weird visitor attraction in London. Home to countless curiosities collected by the legendary adventurer Robert Ripley, you’ll step into a fascinating world where the bizarre and the unbelievable come to life and

where amazement is waiting around every corner. From unusual art to underwater wonders, an upside down room and even a dungeon, at Ripley’s London there are mindboggling experiences for even the wildest imagination.

Science Museum

The Science Museum allows you to introduce children to science with fun, hands-on interactives and encounter the past, present and future of technology in seven floors of galleries.

St Paul's Cathedral

With its iconic dome that dominates the London skyline, St Pauls Cathedral is a must see for all groups visiting London. Over the years, decoration has been added and removed so that today the history of the nation can be seen in mosaics and stone carvings throughout the building. 

Thames River Cruise

This cruise along the Thames is a great way to see some of the major sites of the city. We recommend groups take the 40 minute cruise from Westminster to Tower which takes in Westminster, Big Ben, Somerset House, London Eye, Oxo Tower, The Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Tower.

Tower Of London

See where numerous individuals lost their heads and visit the Prisoners exhibition which looks at some of the Towers more notorious convicts including Anne Boleyn, Edward V, Guy Fawkes and Sir Thomas More.

West End Theatre Performance

Whatever your London trip aims, a West End show is a great opportunity to reward those on school trips to London with a thrilling night at the theatre.  Current top West End Shows include:

• Lion King
• Wicked
• Frozen
• Matilda The Musical
• Mrs Doubtfire The Musical
• Les Misérables
• Back To The Future
• Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
• Six
• We Will Rock You
• Phantom of the Opera 
• Mamma Mia

Whatever show you are interested in seeing, we can advise you on the best time to go and arrange your group seating.

Walk Eat Talk Eat 3-hour Food & Drink Walking Tour

What better way could there be to explore the diverse cultures and communities which make up London than taking walking tour through the streets of the city where you get to sample the great range of cuisines on offer. You can try both modern and traditional dishes, British treats and foods from across the world. There are three different tours to choose from all of which centre around a few different food and drink stops where you may sit down and dine at the venue, pick up the food and taste it outside, or just walk and talk with the food. It really is a fantastic experience!

Restaurants

Make your evening meal a night out with a restaurant visit. We can book tables at an exciting range of restaurants offering pre-theatre dinner packages to suit all budgets. We can also arrange for packed lunches to be delivered to your hotel or an appropriate meeting point in the city.