Educational Resource Pack:

Young Lochinvar

A Curriculum for Excellence Drama-Based Learning Experience for P4–P6

The Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club now has a major new teaching resource to bring one of Scotland’s most iconic romantic ballads into classrooms across the country. The Young Lochinvar Workshop Resource Pack is now available for Primary School teachers. It offers a fully immersive, interdisciplinary experience based on Sir Walter Scott’s poem Lochinvar.

Designed to support Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) outcomes in Literacy, Expressive Arts, and Social Studies, this rich workshop engages pupils in role play, historical storytelling, creative writing, movement and music. Over the course of a classroom-friendly session, learners assume the roles of feuding families, plan a medieval wedding, perform traditional dances — and ultimately re-enact the thrilling escape of Lochinvar and his bride.

Key features of the Resource Pack:

➢ Warm-up and Ice-breakers

• Games using movement and stillness; children practise responding to sound cues (e.g. owl whistle).

➢ Border Reiving Simulation

• Pupils become night-time raiders navigating imaginary terrain. Introduces stealth, teamwork, and suspense.

➢ Swordplay & Stage Combat Basics

• Safe, choreographed swordplay in pairs; teaches trust and coordination.

➢ Introduction of Characters

• Pupils meet Lochinvar, Ellen, and Sir Timothy through Still Images and Teacher-in-Role scenes.

➢ Castle Life Preparation

• In-role planning of a grand wedding: cooking, decorating, rehearsing dances. Encourages creativity.

➢ Dances and Music

• The Farandole and Branle are taught and rehearsed as part of the wedding entertainment.

➢ The Wedding and Climax

• A mock wedding unfolds. At a signal, Lochinvar bursts in and abducts Ellen. All freeze. Pupils share feelings in role.

➢ Debrief and Poem Reading

• Only now is Scott’s poem read aloud in full. Pupils respond with insight and ownership.

It also includes:

• A full Workshop Plan with teacher guidance, prompts, and scripted scenes
  
• Curriculum mapping and clear learning objectives
  
• Differentiation tips to support a range of learners
• Printable scene cards, certificates, reflection sheets, and visual aids
  
• Background on Sir Walter Scott, the Border Reivers, and the poem.

Project lead and Club Treasurer Lee Simpson explains,

"This workshop invites young people not just to read the poem, but to live it -- and make it their own. It connects literature to lived experience, and Scott’s voice to the creative imagination of pupils today."

The pack was created in collaboration with drama educators and features illustrations, historical maps, and adaptable classroom materials. Teachers will also find a one-page quick guide, resource checklist, and glossary to support delivery.

Request the Pack

(as part of the initial Pilot)

We are now looking for one or two schools who are interested in using the pack for a pilot project. We are keen to see how a school approaches it... and if it performs without any hiccups. With that feedback we can then roll it out nationally.

If you'd like to take part please use the form below.