Smithy St School
build the Tower Of London

Year Six children from Smithy Street School visited the Tower of London. They went there to make a model of the castle.

Click here to watch their Tower movie.

The Tower of London itself, and Tower Bridge in the background.

They had trouble finding the new Education Centre. They were the first people to go there. They started to build a model of the Tower of London.

Building the model of the castle in the basement of the Education Centre.

Click here to see the castle being made

The children felt really happy when they had finished the model, and they were amazed that they had used 300 pieces of foam. They were impressed with how quick it was to make!

This is the doorway where they had to design and make a portcullis to guard the castle.

  When they finished the model it was time for lunch. Then they were told to design a portcullis to fit in the doorway.

At first the children didn't know what a portcullis was, then realised that it was a gate that was pulled up and down with chains to open and let people through.

People designing the portcullis.

First each group had to plan their portcullis.

Then draw the portcullis and decide what materials were needed.

Using the design to make the right lengths of wood for the portcullis

After the portcullis was planned they had to start measuring the wood.

How to make a portcullis

Caution:You need adult supervision.

Click here for a safety movie clip

Materials:
Wood, nails, string.

Stephen told the children all the safety rules, and gave them safety clothes.

Tools and equipment:

Backsaw, apron, carpenters pencil, metal ruler, right-angled ruler, mitre box ( to hold the wood), bench hook, hammer and safety goggles.

Click here for another safety movie clip

What you need to do:

Measure the wood to the right size and mark it, then saw the wood.

Cut the wood into six pieces

Tip: You need to be careful when you cut the wood.

Hammer the nails in the wood shown below.

Hammering the pieces of wood together.

You must hammer the nails diagonally, so the wood doesn't pull back out.

Tip: Gently hammer the nails in the wood, if you don't you'll get hit on the hand.

Put the wood in place, between the 2 holders, and make sure your portcullis is strong, or it will fall apart.

Testing and fitting the portcullis in the doorway.

Use the string and the pulley system to pull your door up and let your visitors into the castle to meet your King or Queen!

The impressed Beefeater.

This is one of the castle guards, he is called a Beefeater. He has been working here for 50 years. He shows people around the Tower of London and protects Queen Elizabeth II

We had a great day.

If you want to make the castle too, contact the Tower of London Education Centre on 020 7488 5658.

From the Year Six children at Smithy Street School.

Thank You to Stephen, Nikki and Glennis for organising this lovely day.