Education at Como Mansion and Gardens

Como offers teachers and students the opportunity to experience and explore a gracious colonial mansion set on 5 acres of historic gardens in South Yarra. For 95 years Como was the home of the Armytage family who were prominent graziers and well-known members of Melbourne society. Students can undertake a mansion tour to explore the life and values of an aristocratic family and their servants through examining the architecture, furnishings and original Armytage possessions.

Primary Programs at Como

The Primary program at Como provides students with a range of activities designed for early to mid primary levels in an exciting and stimulating learning environment. Como facilitators organise the day to meet your group requirements and teachers can choose from a combination of four activities to tailor the day to their time constraints and curriculum needs.

We rarely accept groups larger than 50 - 60 at one time but we recommend you discuss this when making a booking. We do ask that there be one adult (parent or teacher) for every 10 students. It is helpful if students are divided into four separate groups of equal number before arrival at Como.

Some of our visiting school groups like to dress up for their visit. This can be as simple as shorts and braces for the boys and long skirts and pinafore for the girls.

House Tour Activity

The story of Como House and the Armytage family is revealed to students through a guided tour of Como's historic mansion. Students learn about the social and cultural traditions of an aristocratic Australian family as well as the way developments in technology dictated and transformed their lifestyle.

Detectives of History Activity

An interactive class in which students play the role of detective to piece together clues from objects to give an understanding of the past. Students consider the role of servants and the impact of domestic technology during the Victorian and Between-the-Wars periods. Students place this knowledge into context through a tour of the servant’s quarters.

Old Fashioned Games Activity

Students enjoy some of the recreation activities of children in Victorian times through sports acitivites held in the beautiful gardens of Como House. In smaller groups students play popular Victorian games such as croquet, hoops, badminton and skittles. The active involvement of teachers is required in this session. In wet weather, indoor games will be substituted.

Garden Tour Activity

Victorian families used gardens for a range of purposes: a sanctuary from worldly cares to a source of fresh vegetables. Lead by one of Como's dedicated gardeners students are introduced to Como's beautiful landscapes and practical environments

Getting There:

Como is on the corner of Williams Road and Lechlade EAvenue, South yarra. Coach parking is available in Williams Road. (Mel ref 58 G2). Como can be easily accessed by train with a 7 minute walk from South Yarra Station.

Cost

The cost for school groups is dependant on activities. $6.50 for the house tour only, $9.90 for a day 'sactivities. Teachers and accompanying parents are free of charge.

Bookings:

Phone (03) 9827 2500 or email: como@nattrust.com.au