Exploring 'A Christmas Carol' in the social context of Victorian Britain

Through a consideration of the text and archival material held here at Doughty Street, pupils will extend their knowledge of A Christmas Carol, by considering how Dickens used the story’s themes and characters to highlight what he saw as some of the most pressing social problems and issues in the Victorian Britain of his day.

In a workshop using examples of Dickens' journalistic writings, students will be able to examine and unpick the language and literary techniques that Dickens uses to highlight the cruelty and inequalities that he saw in key Victorian institutions.

First edition of A Christmas Carol, Cinnamon cloth binding with gold detail, 1843. E75.a 

© Charles Dickens Museum

Curriculum Links:

Edexcel

• GCSE English Literature (9-1) Component 2: Section A – 19th-century novel - A Christmas Carol

• GCSE English Language (9-1) Component 2: Section A - Reading: study and analyse selections from a range of non-fiction texts (including literary non-fiction)

AQA

• GCSE English Literature (8702), 19^thCentury Novel – A Christmas Carol

• GCSE English Language (8700), Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives – 19th Century non-fiction

• GCSE History (8145): Britain: Power and the people: c1170 to the present day – Reform and Reformers

OCR

• GCSE (9–1) History B (Schools History Project) (J411): The People’s Health 1250 to Present

• GCSE (9–1) English Literature (J352), 19^thCentury Novel – A Christmas Carol

• GCSE (9-1) English Language (J351), Component 01: Communicating information and ideas – 19th Century non-fiction

Please note that this session requires students to have some familiarity with the novel A Christmas Carol.  

Optional Extras

Informative and highly entertaining Dickens walk, exploring London through Dickens’s eyes.
For more information click here.

Costs:

Onsite – 2 hours. All workshops are integrated into interactive guided tours of the historic house.

Class of up to 30 students, Off-peak £250 (Jan-Oct), Peak £290 (Nov-Dec). Please enquire for smaller groups. 

Booking

Booking forms and enquiries should be sent to: education@dickensmuseum.com

Download onsite education visit booking form

Download onsite education visit terms and conditions

Download onsite education visit visual story for schools

We can accommodate a maximum of 30 students per booking slot. We have the capacity to run two half day sessions onsite each day from 10:00 – 12:00 and 13:00-15:00. Please note that for the safety of your group we require a minimum adult-to-student ratio of 1:10 for each onsite booking. 

Please be advised that full payment is required in order to confirm your booking. Amendments and cancellations must be made at least 21 days prior to your visit, after which no refund will be available.