A computer package designed to teach youngsters history has been launched in York.

The National Tudor CD-ROM teaching resource teaching youngsters about life in Tudor England was launched by the city's National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) at Heworth Primary School.

It is aimed at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 and has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The CD-ROM is based on a musical play by Paul Birch called Counterpoint that is set in the 16th century and explores the religious changes that took place in England during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I, and the impact this had on musicians who worked in York Minster.

It uses music, drama and a wide range of classroom-based activities, focusing on what it was like to be a chorister during the turbulent years of the Reformation.

Cathryn Dew, education manager at the NCEM, who researched and created the CD-ROM, said: "This resource brings to life some of the fascinating information about the life and times of musicians in Tudor York. It is based on real-life characters that lived in 16th century York, and makes History and Early Music accessible and exciting."

The teaching resource has been piloted at Heworth Primary School in York whose pupils were involved in the original stage production of the Counterpoint play two years ago.

Kathleen Wood, ICT and literacy co-ordinator at the school, said: "The children thought it was fantastic and were very interested in the contents."

The CD-ROM costs £30 (including VAT) and is available from the NCEM, St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, York Y01 9TL, tel 01904 632220 or email info@ncem.co.uk

Updated: 10:16 Thursday, April 21, 2005