Richard IIIs story to be told to Leicesters schoolchildren

Thousands of schoolchildren all over the city of Leicester will be learning about the story of Richard III as part of the University’s mission to bring the king to the classroom.

The educational assemblies, which began on 23 February and will run until March 27 – after the reinterment - have already received high praise from teachers at schools such as Dovelands Primary, and the next school to benefit from these free assemblies will be Avenue Primary School, in Avenue Road Extension, Leicester, on Monday 2 March - when students from the University will visit to teach children all about the notorious monarch.

In partnership with Dr Cas Kramer from the Department of Genetics and Debbie Miles-Williams from the School of Archaeology and Ancient History, Events and Engagement Manager Jim Butler - who is also organising a comprehensive public event at the University on Saturday 21 March - has developed a number of informative sessions at schools all over Leicester, which will reach some 5,000 youngsters.

Each school can choose whether they prefer an archaeological or scientific focus – and will either hear about the search for the lost king with a focus on the discovery and excavation or the DNA analysis which helped the University identify him.

Schools interested in taking-up the opportunity for a free assembly can contact Claire Barnes at the University on: ceb45@leicester.ac.uk

The reinterment of King Richard III is taking place at Leicester Cathedral on Thursday 26 March.

• Press Release
• The Dig for Richard III was led by the University of Leicester, working with Leicester City Council and in association with the Richard III Society. The originator of the Search project was Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society.