Learning Resources | Borough of Culture

Develop your own creative responses to the year’s events supported by a regular programme of artist-led training and resources

Throughout our year as London Borough of Culture 2019, we used our events as an opportunity to inspire, develop confidence and support creation.

Learning resources developed for events throughout the year have been developed to provide as a legacy beyond 2019 to interpret and engage with the borough’s cultural heritage. You can find out more about the resources available below.

Our Makers

Here you will be able to find resources that can get your students involved directly with the themes of particular London Borough of Culture 2019 events through hands on activities.

Ways of Seeing

68 artworks, 33 artists, 28 locations
In partnership with the Government Art Collection, Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 transformed the whole borough into an art gallery. Ways of Seeing saw the work of 33 internationally-known artists from the Government Art Collection in 28 unusual and unexpected venues across Chingford, Leyton, Leytonstone and Walthamstow from 24 April – 31 August 2019.

View the educational resources for Ways of Seeing to discover more about artworks.

Atomic 50

In April, Blackhorse Workshop presented Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin - an immersive journey through Waltham Forest’s rich heritage in manufacturing and metalwork. See the Blackhorse Workshop website for learning resources covering the topics of History, Science, Art & Design and Literacy, each targeted at children aged 7-11 and linking to Key Stage 2 of the curriculum. In each resource, you’ll find a series of activities and relevant curriculum links to introduce the themes of the visit.

Our Environment

Waltham Forest is fortunate to have 28 percent of the borough as protected green space, including Epping Forest and the Lee Valley. There has been a rich tradition of radical activism to preserve these spaces for the public good which can be used to introduce students to environmental campaigning. A number of providers offer opportunities for learning sessions on the area’s ecology and natural sciences.

Supporting resources for Forest Uprising

Forest Uprising was the finale event for London Borough of Culture 2019, 13-15 December at Leyton Sports Ground.

We invited the young people of Waltham Forest to be able to contribute to Forest Uprising by providing creative responses to the question: 'What kind of world do you want to live in?' so helping shape the legacy of this landmark year.

Below are two resource packs to encourage our young people to explore the themes of social action, and to positively contribute to the future of Waltham Forest.

What Kind of World

Created to support young people to complete the What Kind of World challenge to inspire the creative direction of our finale event Forest Uprising. For teachers and group leaders it contains discussion and activity ideas to run a session around the project; for young people the Ideas and Inspiration section looks at examples of other artists who have explored this theme. View the What Kind of World Resource

Chingford May Day Fayre

Chingford May Day Fayre took place on Saturday 4 May, an event that celebrated the changing seasons, fresh growth, new life, and campaigning for a positive future.
Additionally, it references historic and present traditions that celebrate community, workers unity and the invention of the bicycle in Waltham Forest.

On-going themes to explore with pupils:

Learning programme