A powerful learning resource

Through the work of our dedicated Learning Team we are increasing access to our outstanding collections through stimulating activities and programmes.

We can offer handling sessions, printed resources, taught sessions, outreach into schools, bespoke activities and exhibition interpretation, which are suitable for all age ranges, abilities and backgrounds.

We can help you plan and prepare for your visit and show you the wide range of resources which Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums can offer.

Visit our FAQs section below or visit the dedicated venue pages for lots of practical information about planning your visit. If you still cannot find the answer to your question please email learning@twmuseums.org.uk

For venue specific information please visit the dedicated venue pages opposite.

How do I book?

All school or group visits, including self-led visits, must be booked in advance, please contact the venue directly to do this (contact information can be found on the venue’s dedicated Schools Online page). Alternatively please use our online workshop enquiry form.

When you enquire about a visit please have the following information to hand:

  • Name and address of school
  • Contact name
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • LEA
  • Number of pupils and year group
  • Preferred dates
  • Packed lunch requirements
  • Access requirements

How much does a visit cost?

Entry to all our venues is free. However charges apply on most of our facilitated workshops in venue and those taking place in school. All the charges are clearly stated in all printed literature and website which relate to a specific activity. Charges will also be clearly communicated to you by the learning team when you make your enquiry.

Bespoke workshops can be delivered in school, please contact the learning team directly with your request to discuss details.

Self led visits are free and downloadable resources to use when visiting the venue are available to download for free. Click here to view resources

How do I pay?

Payment:
All chargeable facilitated workshops must be paid for in advance of the booked workshop taking place. Payment can be made in two ways:

Invoice:
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums will invoice your school for workshop you have booked. If you wish to use this method of payment please email the completed ‘Facilitated Workshop/Visit Confirmation Form’ with the following information:

  • School name
  • Full address including postcode
  • Point of contact (this is usually your school business manager or member of the administration team)

Newcastle City Council Journal request:
If you qualify for this method of payment please email the completed ‘Facilitated Workshop/Visit Confirmation Form’ with the following information:

  • School name
  • Point of contact (this is usually your school business manager or member of administrator team)
  • Cost code and sub code

What happens after I have sent my workshop enquiry/contact the venue?

A member of the venue learning team will contact you as soon as possible; we aim to reply within 3 working days, either by email or phone. The staff member will highlight the options available to you and discuss the details of your visit.

Confirmation:
Once this has happened you will receive a ‘booking’ email. Check the details on here thoroughly and read the attached terms and conditions. If all the information is correct and you want to confirm the booking send back the ‘Facilitated Workshop/Visit Confirmation Form’ within five working days as confirmation.

Failure to confirm your booking within five working days will mean your booking will be cancelled and the slot given to another group.

What if I need to cancel my visit?

If you have to cancel a booking please contact the venue immediately to arrange an alternative date.

If Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums have to cancel and no agreeable alternative is found or re-scheduling is not possible a refund will be offered.

If bad weather or other circumstances result in the school closing so that the visit cannot take place, the session will be re-arranged or an alternative found where possible. Refunds will not be offered in this instance.

How long does a visit last?

Pre-booked workshops vary in length from 30 minutes to all day, the duration of each workshop is stated on all material related to the workshop and will be communicated to you when you book your visit. Many schools take advantage of our packed lunch spaces and spend a full day at the venue combining a workshop with a free self led visit.

Can I make a preliminary visit?

Yes! We highly recommend you make a preliminary visit to help you get the most out of your trip, especially if you are on a self-led visit. The Learning Team are happy to discuss your visit with you, ensuring you and your pupils get the most from it. Please contact them directly for more information on the resources available or to arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements.

Is there a Risk Assessment?

Unfortunately we do not have a Risk Assessment you can download, as the Department of Education's publication 'Safe Keeping' states, ‘the group leader should carry out a risk assessment’. However each venue has a Hazard Identification Sheet which, along with your preliminary visit, will help you write your risk assessment.

The Hazard Identification Sheets can be found in the Downloads section of Schools Online. For further help please contact the venue Learning Team directly.

How many adults should I bring?

There is no restriction on the number of adults you can bring on a visit, however we expect all visiting groups to follow current guidelines appropriate for the age and needs of their individual group. It is your responsibility to ensure your pupils safety and conduct whilst visiting the venue. We suggest you prepare your pupils and adult helpers for the visit, ensuring a valuable and enjoyable experience for all.

Certain workshops will have different ratio recommendations, please ask the venue Learning Team for specific information when booking.

Are there any safety issues I need to know about?

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums actively try to make our venues as safe as possible. However, our venues (especially outdoor sites) can still be hazardous. Members of staff are always onsite to ensure, as far as possible the safety of visitors. However, ultimately your pupils are your responsibility - never leave them unsupervised. Please read Newcastle City Council's Heath & Safety Guidelines for more information.

Please ensure that your pupils are suitably dressed and are wearing appropriate footwear for the weather and activities they are participating in.

What should I do on arrival?

Please see the specific venues home page for details on what to do on arrival.

Are there lunch spaces available?

Lunch spaces are available at all venues (excluding Washington 'F' Pit and The Shipley Art Gallery) however due to high demand all visiting groups must book a lunch space when making their booking. Confirmation of your lunch space booking will be sent to you on your booking information.

Outdoor picnic areas are also available at certain venues during the summer months.

Is there a shop?

All venues apart from Washington 'F' Pit have a shop on site. We ask that a maximum of 10 children, with a supervising adult visit at any one time to help ensure a quick and efficient visit to the shop.

Are there toilets?

All our venues have accessible male and female toilets.

Are there any resources available to help my visit?

Hazard Identification Sheets, teachers packs and resource sheets are all available in the Downloads section of the Schools Online website.

I’ve been really inspired by my visit, how can I find out more?

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