Learning Through the Stonyhurst Collections
At Stonyhurst, history is not something confined to the pages of a book or locked away behind glass. Our world-renowned museum and archives are woven directly into pupils’ daily learning, offering a rare opportunity to hold the past in their hands and carry its lessons into the future.
Supporting Every Lesson
The Collections enrich every academic subject, from science and art to literature and languages. Lessons are transformed by the presence of extraordinary artefacts — fossils, manuscripts, works of art, scientific specimens and rare books — which bring abstract ideas vividly to life.
A biology class might examine the preserved animals of the Waterton Collection; an English lesson may explore Shakespeare’s First Folio; an art project could draw inspiration from ancient manuscripts or natural specimens. Whatever the subject, pupils experience learning in a way that is tactile, memorable and inspiring.
History in Their Hands
From the age of three, pupils benefit from hands-on lessons designed by our Museum Education Officer, Esther Rollinson, in collaboration with Curator Dr Jan Graffius. Hundreds of banked lessons are delivered each year, enabling children to explore history, science, art and literature through objects that span centuries and continents.
Whether it is a Greek drinking cup unearthed in Pompeii, a 50-million-year-old shark’s tooth, or a Neolithic flint spearhead, these remarkable artefacts spark curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of human ingenuity.
Inspiring Programmes for Every Age
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Junior Curators Scheme – For pupils aged 9–10, this unique programme introduces the principles of curating, from object handling to exhibition design, fostering transferable skills such as communication and interpretation.
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Creative Displays – Older pupils curate their own exhibitions. Recent examples include Womanuscripts, exploring the lives of women in history through letters, recipes and manuscripts.
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Academic Inspiration – Sixth Form pupils use the Collections across subjects: A level biologists study natural history specimens, artists draw inspiration from fossils and artefacts, and IB Diploma candidates design assessed displays using museum objects.
A Living Jesuit Tradition
The Jesuit belief that “objects have the power to illuminate and inspire” underpins our use of the Collections. Lessons are not simply about facts, but about empathy – walking in the shoes of a Roman soldier, a Victorian explorer or a Neolithic hunter. This approach deepens pupils’ understanding of people’s thoughts, values and experiences across history.
A Treasure House on Campus
Highlights include:
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Shakespeare’s First Folio – Displayed daily in the Do Room.
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The Waterton Collection – A rare natural history collection, used to explore biology, exploration and preservation.
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Over 200,000 items – Including books, manuscripts, fossils and artefacts, all serving as catalysts for discovery across multiple subjects.
Beyond Stonyhurst
Our Collections also serve local schools, offering visiting pupils the same chance to engage with objects, broaden horizons and develop a love of learning through history.