The Diamond Jubilee Opus

Schools Edition

The Diamond Jubilee Opus will tell the story of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign in unprecedented detail and scale, creating a lasting document that definitively marks this point in recent British history. As such, the Opus will be a valuable source to educate and inspire.

It is our intention to provide secondary schools throughout the UK with a special Schools Edition to keep as a lasting legacy of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and for generations of schoolchildren to enjoy.

The large format of the Opus is particularly suitable for children as they can enjoy it in pairs or in small groups and become immersed in the story. The Opus is liked by parents and teachers as it allows children to share the experience of reading, exploring and learning.

The chance for Clare House School to be involved with Opus very excited about and accepted without having any doubt about the value it would hold for our pupils. The pupils on our school council have been discussing how they feel the school should be involved in and celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, so involvement in this venture has been an ideal starting point for us.

Children love studying history. They are fascinated with the differences between past times and life today. As adults we often forget and underestimate how fascinating the world is for children and what an impact discovering something new has. The subject of kings and queens holds a certain allure for children; they become absorbed in primary topics involving Henry VIII and Queen Victoria and how life was during their reigns.

The Opus offers a totally different interactive experience as pupils share what they see and read. Pictures are well sourced and the size of the picture draws pupils in to look further inside it. They start to spot things that may be unfamiliar or interesting. From this, questions flow and investigations develop.

Children gathered around the books in groups of 4 or 5 and were instantly animated and enthralled. They worked co-operatively without adult input or intervention, discussing what they saw, asking questions and trying to find answers collaboratively drawing upon existing knowledge, deduction or supposition. I was overwhelmed to observe such self-initiated exploration, investigation and learning that the Opus books facilitated and stimulated. I feel that the Opus will have huge educational benefit.