Interactive Witchcraft Lesson

Thursday Afternoon, Swanbourne House School – Year 8 students stepped back in time during an immersive witchcraft-themed workshop, aimed at dispelling myths and exploring the history of witchcraft. Organized by school staff, the session combined hands-on activities with historical discussions to bring the fascinating topic of early modern witchcraft to life.

The session opened with a myth-busting exercise, where students learned about the misconceptions and cultural fears that fueled historic witch hunts. Instead of brewing potions, students turned to the natural world, creating their own herbal sachets using traditional ingredients to learn about the power of herbs and folk medicine, dispelling the dark aura around historical potions and “magic.”

In the final activity of the day, students used a “witch trial” inspired by Daemonologie, the infamous guide by King James I that laid out signs of witchcraft. They assessed their “witches” with curiosity and critical thinking, discovering just how subjective—and unfair—historical accusations of witchcraft could be. The mock trials provided a memorable lesson on how fear and superstition impacted early justice.

Thanks to all staff who made this event possible.

Swanbourne House is an independent Day and Boarding School for children aged 3 – 13 years. The school is based in 55 acres of Buckinghamshire countryside, a short drive from Central Milton Keynes and near Buckingham, Leighton Buzzard, Woburn, Aspley Guise and Aylesbury.