Live schools' broadcast
the Bayeux Tapestry

This live, one‑hour broadcast is designed to be simple to run in any classroom or hall. Teachers do not need to pause the video; simply supervise some short participation activities during the video, support learners as needed and follow along.

Before the session begins, please:

• Print one worksheet per learner and distribute these before the broadcast starts, as they will be used at several points during the session. These will be emailed with the Teacher pack which will be sent ahead of the broadcast.
• Ensure learners have pencils ready.
• Arrange seating so each learner has space and a firm surface (such as a desk, table or lap board) to write on during the session, and can clearly see the screen.
• Check your speakers are working.

Note that the broadcast runs continuously like live TV and does not require pausing.

There is no need for microphones or webcams in your classroom.

Captions will be available during the broadcast. 

Once you have booked, we will email you everything you need to join the live broadcast.

What to expect

• After booking, you will receive an email asking you to complete a short online form (booking reference, school name and estimated number of students).
• We will then send you a Teacher pack by email ahead of the event. This includes:
  • Your unique joining details
  • The printable worksheet
  • Details of how to submit questions for our experts in advance
  • Our pre‑event checklist
  • A link to test the streaming platform
  • Who to contact if you need technical support on the day

You will receive reminder emails as the event approaches, including for any later bookings.

On the day
Simply use your joining details on your chosen device, connect to a screen and speakers, and your class is ready to take part.

Each ticket provides one unique broadcast connection that can be used on one screen in one room at a time:

• One class watching on one screen
• Several classes watching together in a hall or shared space on one screen

There is no limit to how many students can watch together using a single screen, provided everyone can see and hear clearly.

• This event will be delivered using a secure online video-streaming platform operated by our broadcast production partner (the British Museum licenses their services for this event). The platform typically works on most school networks and browsers.
• You will receive unique joining details for each connection that you purchase. These will be emailed directly to you.
• We will not share any of your personal data with the platform.
  Any personal information you provide during this process will be handled according to the platform's own terms of use and privacy policy.
• We encourage you to test the streaming platform prior to making any booking.

System requirements

You'll need:

• A reliable internet connection (5–10 Mbps recommended).
• A modern web browser, such as Google Chrome (recommended), Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Safari (Internet Explorer is not supported).

Firewall whitelisting

If you are accessing the broadcast on a school or corporate network, some security settings may affect playback. Minimum requirements: HTTPS access (Port 443) must be enabled, and streaming uses standard web video (no plugins required).

Your IT team may need to allow access to the following:

• connectstudio-portal.world-television.com  
• cdn-assets-connectstudio-portal.world-television.com  
• api-prod.world-television.com  
• cdn-wowza-cs.world-television.com
• cdn-wowza-cs-backup.world-television.com
• cdn-od.world-television.com
• od.world-television.com
• cdn-wowza-ondemand.world-television.com
• wowza-ondemand.world-television.com
• Simplest option – if possible, allow: *.world-television.com

Troubleshooting

• Video is buffering, freezing, or stuttering – Refresh the page. Check your internet connection, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to wired, and close other applications using bandwidth.
• Video is a black screen – Disable ad blockers or browser extensions, try opening the page in a private/incognito window, and turn off hardware acceleration in browser settings.
• No sound – Check the video player is not muted, click inside the video to allow sound, and check your device volume and audio output.
• Page looks incorrect – Reset browser zoom to 100%, clear cache and cookies, and reopen the page.

If you are experiencing issues, and have already followed the steps above, please reach out to the platform's dedicated technical support team for troubleshooting assistance by emailing [email protected]. Please include your device type (e.g. Windows Laptop, iPhone) and the browser you are using (e.g. Chrome, Safari) so they can assist you faster.

The broadcast explores how the Bayeux Tapestry shapes the story of 1066, and how narrative, perspective and bias affect the history we learn. It features short presenter‑led explanations, curator insights, object close‑ups and simple classroom activities that are easy to run in a classroom or hall.

Throughout the broadcast, learners will take part in:

• Observation and 'spot the detail' tasks
• Quick on‑screen questions
• Paired discussion prompts
• Worksheet activities
• Expert Q&A moments, featuring moderated questions submitted by schools in advance and during the event. Details of how to do this will be included in the Teacher pack.

The broadcast is paced to keep learners engaged, with clear transitions between each theme.

This session aligns with key history and humanities aims across the curricula of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland for ages 7–14. All four nations emphasise:

• Using primary and secondary sources to investigate the past
• Developing skills in asking questions, analysing evidence and forming interpretations
• Understanding that events and human experiences can be interpreted differently
•  Recognising that historical accounts are shaped by narrative, perspective and bias
• Understanding significant events and turning points in British history, including the Norman Conquest

These shared curriculum aims are directly supported through the broadcast's use of the Bayeux Tapestry as a visual historical source, expert interpretation, structured enquiry and frequent opportunities for learner observation, discussion and questioning.

This broadcast supports learners in exploring the enquiry question: 
'How does the Bayeux Tapestry shape the story of 1066, and how does narrative, perspective and bias effect the history we learn?'

Through expert explanation, detailed visual analysis and interactive tasks, learners will develop both historical knowledge and key enquiry skills.

By taking part, learners will:

• Gain a clear understanding of key events and figures depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, and how it presents one version of the story of 1066.
• Develop confidence in using objects and images as evidence for understanding the past.
• Build the ability to ask and explore historically valid questions, supported by the session's enquiry structure and Q&A opportunities.
• Strengthen skills in interpreting evidence, considering what objects can and cannot tell us.
• See how historians, curators and other museum specialists investigate objects.
• Experience curiosity, enjoyment and creative engagement through hands-on tasks, visual prompts and direct interaction with experts.

These simple activities and British Museum resources – for use before the broadcast – will help introduce key ideas and vocabulary that learners will encounter during the session.

• Activate prior knowledge by asking learners what they already know, or think they know, about the Bayeux Tapestry or the story of 1066, capturing questions and ideas for later reference.
• Introduce key vocabulary such as conquest, invasion, oath, claim, succession, embroidery, symbol, bias and perspective to support learners' understanding of the narrative and support their enquiry during the broadcast.
• Explore the geography of key events in 1066 by locating England and Normandy on a map or globe, helping learners understand where the events of the story take place and the what the journey between them involved.
• Establish the historical sequence by creating a simple timeline in the class leading up to the Battle of Hastings, including Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy.
• Discuss how images tell stories by asking 'What can pictures tell us about the past?' using a modern image to introduce ideas of viewpoint, selection and interpretation. 

These activities help consolidate learning and support further enquiry, interpretation and creative engagement with the session's themes.

• Analyse visual evidence by revisiting scenes from the tapestry and identifying what is shown clearly, what is unclear and what might be missing.
• Compare different retellings of the events of 1066 by positioning the tapestry alongside another account, such as a written source, textbook illustration or modern comic, and discussing similarities and differences.
• Explore perspective and bias by retelling a scene from the point of view of a different figure, such as an English soldier, a Norman knight or an onlooker, using writing, drama or speech bubbles.
• Create a visual narrative inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, using drawing, collage or digital tools to explore sequencing, symbolism and storytelling through images.
• Reflect on historical uncertainty by asking learners: 'If this was the only source we had, what would we know, and what would we never know?'

Please contact the Box Office. If they can't answer your question directly, they should be able to pass your question onto someone who can.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8181