Accessibility statement

School Resources

Over the last few years we have created a number of schools resources based on our archive collections. For each theme you will find a PDF pack, with contextual information and some suggested activities. For four of the packs (except the Slavery in the West Indies and Sir Alan Ayckbourn packs) we've provided you with a gallery of low-resolution images so that you can see what the pack includes. Clicking on any image will bring up the relevant image gallery. High resolution copies of the same images are also available to download. You are free to use the images in the context of the PDF pack, or in isolation as individual sources for a particular lesson. 

For schools based in York and Yorkshire, we have lots of items in our collections to support Local History modules in school too. We are really interested in hearing what you need, so please do get in contact with us if there is a particular topic you would like support with. You can email us direct at borthwick-institute@york.ac.uk. 

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Advertising at Rowntrees

Designed to tie in with the KS3 and KS4 English curriculum, this pack focuses on the language and images used within Rowntree's adverts in order to appeal to a particular audience.

Download the pack

Advertising at Rowntree & Co resource pack 2024 (PDF , 4,420kb)

Download the high resolution images

You can preview the images from this pack in the gallery below, then download higher resolution versions for your own teaching using these links:

Image gallery (low resolution images)

Image: Source 1 (Guard Book N2)
Image: Source 2 (Guard Book N4)
Image: Source 3 (Guard Book A1)
Image: Source 4 (Guard Book B13)
Image: Source 5 (Guard Book B32)
Image: Source 6 (Guard Book B32)
Image: Source 7 Part 1 (Guard Book B13)
Image: Source 7 Part 2 (Guard Book B13)
Image: Source 8 (Guard Book H33)
Image: Source 9 (Guard Book H33)
Image: Source 10 (Guard Book H31)
Image: Source 11 (Guard Book AB12)

Heslington Hall (Creative Writing)

This pack uses the history of Heslington Hall, an old manor house on the outskirts of York which is now one of the key buildings at University of York, as a springboard for creative writing. It is designed for KS2 and KS3, but could also be used for KS4.

Download the pack

Heslington Hall Creative Writing resource pack 2024 (PDF , 2,020kb)

Download the high resolution images

You can preview the images from this pack in the gallery below, then download higher resolution versions for your own teaching using these links:

Image gallery (low resolution images)

Image: Source 1 (JHOR/4/2/4)
Image: Source 2 (JHOR/4/2/6)
Image: Source 3 (VDER/7/1/4)
Image: Source 4 (VDER/8/1/4/1/ii)
Image: Source 5 (VDER/3/1/2)

Heslington Hall (History)

This pack considers changes in the British class system (especially over the 20th Century) and the importance of preserving history, through a specific case study; the case of Heslington Hall. It is designed to tie in with the KS3 and KS4 History curriculum.

Download the pack

Heslington Hall History resource pack 2024 (PDF , 2,313kb)

Download the high resolution images

You can preview the images from this pack in the gallery below, then download higher resolution versions for your own teaching using these links:

Image gallery (low resolution images)

Image: Source 1 (YM/MP/37)
Image: Source 2 Part 1 (YM/MP/29)
Image: Source 2 Part 2 (YM/MP/30)
Image: Source 2 Part 3 (YM/MP/31)
Image: Source 3 Part 1 JHOR/4/2/6
Image: Source 3 Part 2 JHOR/4/2/4
Image: Source 4 VDER/7/1/4
Image: Source 5 VDER/8/1/4/1/ii
Image: Source 6 VDER/3/1/2
Image: Source 7 VDER/3/1/2

Medieval Initials and Doodles

This resource pack is aimed at KS3 Art students, but can also be used by any group studying medieval history and handwriting. It focuses on illuminated initials and doodles found within medieval documents in the Borthwick's collections.

Download the pack

Medieval Initials and Doodles resource pack 2024 (PDF , 3,128kb)

Download the high resolution images

You can preview the images from this pack in the gallery below, then download higher resolution versions for your own teaching using these links:

Image gallery (low resolution images)

Image: Source 1 Abp Reg 05A f446v
Image: Source 2 Abp Reg 05A f672r
Image: Source 3 Abp Reg 05A f623Ar
Image: Source 4 Abp Reg 17 f1r
Image: Source 5 Abp Reg 26 f1r
Image: Source 6 Register 27 Title Page
Image: Source 7 TAK/1/25 crop
Image: Source 8 TAK/1/28 crop
Image: Source 9 TAK/3/5 crop
Image: Source 10 TAK/3/6
Image: Source 11 BF/6

Slavery in the West Indies

Designed to tie in with the KS3 History curriculum, this resource pack looks at British involvement in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, as seen through one of our archive collections. It also considers the abolitionist movement, and looks at the debate around this topic.

Bearing in mind the theme of this pack, and the fact the archives use vocabulary that is of its time and may not be appropriate in a modern context, please download the pack to review the images and content before downloading or using the high resolution versions for your classes.

You can find additional information to support you with this topic in our Harmful Language Statement.

Download the pack

Slavery in the West Indies resource pack 2024 (PDF , 3,617kb)

Download the high resolution images

You are free to download these higher resolution versions of the images in the pack for your own teaching:

The works of Sir Alan Ayckbourn

This pack is designed to provide English, Drama and Performing Arts teachers with lesson plans and detailed background information on the work and written plays of Sir Alan Ayckbourn. While it was designed for KS4 students, it could be adapted for students of any age.

Download the pack

Alan Ayckbourn Resource Pack (PDF , 5,498kb)