RIBA National Schools Programme

A free storytelling session exploring the extraordinary history of the Royal Institute of British Architects for Key Stage One pupils.

This free storytelling session is aimed at introducing reception, year one and two pupils to what architecture is, what the Royal Institute of British Architects is and the extraordinary history of the organisation and its remarkable home, 66 Portland Place.

Storytelling sessions will take place at RIBA HQ, 66 Portland Place, W1B1AD. Schools can book onto either a 10.30am or 11.30am session. Sessions will last for an hour and schools can use RIBA’s lunchroom. Schools can also complete an additional drawing/design activity if they would like to.

Storytelling sessions will take place on the following dates:

• 7 March, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 18 April, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 19 May, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 9 June, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 14 July, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 11 September, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 6 October, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 3 November, 10.30am and 11.30am
• 8 December, 10.30am and 11.30am

To book onto a session please email sophie.draper@riba.org.

Discover our brand-new film for Key Stage 3 and 4 students to explore climate change and the built environment. Featuring exemplary designs and architecture professionals, this film provides inspiration as to how we can tackle the climate crisis through design and innovation, so that together we can build a better, more sustainable future for us all.

Find out more about how to use our Building the Future film in your classroom.

The Royal Institute of British Architects National Schools Programme aims to help children explore and understand the built environment: its impact on people and communities; how it is shaped and developed; and why good design is important. It empowers children to develop their thoughts on architecture and make their voice heard in the debate.

RIBA is a charity and relies on funding to run its National Schools Programme. Funding from trusts, foundations and donors enables our workshops to be free for schools. 

We are very grateful to the following supporters:

• Clore Duffield Foundation
• Ernest Cook Trust
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Kirby Laing Foundation
• Old Possum’s Practical Trust
• Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
• Royal Commission for the Great Exhibition of 1851
• The Sackler Trust
• All practices signed up to the Future Architects Pledge