School Programs
One-of-a-kind experiences for classes, both virtually and in-person.
Witness local history come off the page and into the imagination of your students!
Children will experience living heritage through fun, immersive educational activities. Can't get to us in person? Book one of our unique digital programs, or rent an edukit for hands-on classroom learning.
We are available to answer questions and book programs at 604-591-4627 or HSFeducation@surrey.ca.
In-Person Programs
Memorable, hands-on experiences are perfect at the farm!
- Cost: $97.55
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Availability: Tuesday to Friday
- 30 student maximum
Farm Kids (K to 2)
Live just like Surrey’s children did 120 years ago! Students learn the role of children in a busy 1890s farm family by trying on costumes, learning how to barn dance, doing lessons on real slates in our old-fashioned schoolroom, and helping with farm chores.
Penny Pinchers (Grades 4 to 5)
Discover past practices and changing landscapes in this program focused on community history and Surrey’s natural resources. By handling artifacts and performing traditional chores, students learn how simple machines made life easier while investigating other creative ways Surrey’s residents conserved their resources.
Immigrant Perspectives (Grades 5 to 6)
Students experience the cultural traditions of newcomers to Surrey and learn how exclusionary immigration laws shaped settlement in BC through the examination of artifacts, maps, and historical documents.
Seasonal Programs
Stories, Shoots and Sprouts (K to 1)
Dig, plant, discover. Learn about growing heritage vegetables and fruit through songs, games and indoor/outdoor seasonal activities. Explore the root cellar, garden, orchard, pole barn, and farmhouse kitchen and then plan a beanstalk to take home!
Heritage Christmas (K to Grade 5)
Students explore the festively decorated farmhouse, complete with Victorian Christmas tree. Learn about Christmas traditions and make a wooden vintage craft to take home. Offered in November and December, Monday to Friday.
Woodlands and Waterways (Grades 3 to 4)
Discover the importance of the land and waterways in the Surrey area, and how they helped people live and survive in Surrey in the late 1800s. Students will explore natural areas in Elgin Heritage Park and at the Historic Stewart Farm. Hands-on activities help students to discover how people changed (and were changed by) their natural surroundings.
Ice Cream Social (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Celebrate the end of school with an ice cream party! Students do old-fashioned chores, play Victorian lawn games, and learn about the ways that Surrey’s historic residents celebrated, all while hand-churning some delicious ice cream. This program can accommodate two classes (up to 48 students). Parent participation required. Offered in June.
Digital Programs
During one of our live digital school programs, an experienced costumed guide will lead your class on a virtual tour around the Farmhouse, pole barn and outbuildings while providing curriculum current interpretation. These programs are well suited to in-class, blended and fully online groups.
We use Microsoft Teams to deliver our digital school programs. To ensure a smooth program, we require a technical ‘check-in’ prior to your scheduled program - we will discuss this with you upon booking. We recommend you download the Microsoft Teams App. A projector, screen and a laptop with speakers and microphone are required.
- Cost: $97.55
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
Farm Kids (K to Grade 2)
Supplies will be provided for an in-class heritage activity.
Immigrant Perspectives (Grades 5 to 6)
An accompanying primary resource package focuses on local history, immigration, racism, and the people who settled at Historic Stewart Farm.
Stories Shoots and Sprouts (K to 1)
An activity will be provided for students to plant a Historic Stewart Farm heirloom seed in their classroom.
Heritage Christmas (K to Grade 5)
Grade based Wooden Toy making supplies will be provided for a in-class activity. Only available from November to December.
“Our class enjoyed learning about the Stewart family. They welcomed the opportunity to make observations and ask questions. The students also enjoyed being able to make the wooden top. Thank you again for making this program available, we enjoyed it.” - Grade 3/4 Teacher
Edukits
Created specifically for delivery by teachers, edukits contain hands-on artifacts and archival materials, including:
- photographs
- newspaper articles
- a comprehensive teacher’s package of suggested activities
Packaged in a convenient suitcase with ready-to-use content. Cost: $54.55 per kit rental.
Immigrant Perspectives (Grades 5 to 6)
How did newcomers get to Surrey? What challenges did they face? Did everyone have the same experience? Students use artifacts, maps, and documents to answer these questions and uncover information about the Chinese Head Tax and other immigration experiences. Available for a three-week loan from September to June
Old-Fashioned Games (Grades 2 to 4)
Students travel back in time to learn about the ways in which historic Surrey children made their own fun. Participants learn about the lives of children on an 1890s farm, explore the popular games and toys they enjoyed, and try their hand at making their own! This kit includes materials for students to make their own old-fashioned toy, as well as the supplies for an outdoor fair, including sack races, tug-o-war, egg and spoon races, and a guide to make your own old-fashioned ice cream. Available for a one-week rental from April to June.
Heritage Christmas (K to Grade 5)
Students explore a Victorian holiday experience in their classroom. By creating vintage crafts, exploring the Stewarts’ holiday traditions and learning about the diverse holiday celebrations of our community, students will connect traditions of the past to our community today. Available for a two-week loan from November to December.
“This kit was fantastic; we really enjoyed the hands-on activities. My students really enjoyed having the artifacts in our classroom.” - Grade 5 Teacher
How to Book
To reserve your program spot or kit, please contact the City of Surrey Call Centre at 604-501-5100.
For additional information or questions, please call us at 604-591-4627 or email HSFeducation@surrey.ca.