Going Out to Schools
Many museums offer a menu of options to schools which might include:
- a led visit or session at the museum
- a teacher-led session at a museum or a combination with the above
- collections going out to schools either in the form of a loan or accompanied by a member of staff from the museum.
For many schools the cost of transport to a museum site has been identified as one of the main barriers to using museums, so museums coming out to schools in some form is one way of overcoming this barrier.
The physical size of some museums prevents them from accommodating large groups, so they may be particularly interested in going out to schools.
If a museum does offer a visit to your school by a member of staff please ensure that:
- visitors are given clear directions about where your school is and where to park
- children and helpers are prepared for the visit so that they understand its purpose and significance
- office/reception staff are aware of the visit and able to direct the visitor to the appropriate room
- museum staff are given assistance with unloading and loading resources where appropriate
- museum staff are supported by members of the school staff throughout their visit and not left alone with the pupils
- suitable space is made available in the classroom for the display of objects if appropriate
- tables are clear and available for children to examine the objects, if appropriate
- pens and messy materials such as paint or glue are cleared away before the start of the visit
- if worksheets are to be used, pencils, not pens, are available
- museum staff are offered a break between sessions and, ideally, a drink.
Useful Websites
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Museums, Libraries and Archives South East (MLA South East) for details of museums in the South East. Many offer sessions in schools as well as at the museum. Search through for museums in your area which offer this service.
MLA South East case study Meet the Crew (Mary Rose Museum).
Museums which Offer Sessions at Schools