Schools
Inspired by our unique collection of East and Southeast Asian artefacts, we offer cross-cultural learning experiences for students of all ages. Our school programme ‘Learning through Discovery’ has been designed to tie in to aspects of the new National Curriculum. It can be adapted to suit different Key Stages. Our learning experiences include:
- set learning experiences
- loan boxes
- bespoke learning experiences
Both set and bespoke learning experiences can be delivered at your school on a day of your choice, or at the museum (usually on a Monday). Loan boxes are free for schools to borrow but a deposit is required.
Teachers are welcome to book a free family visit or a pre-visit appointment.
Please contact our Education Manager about developing a bespoke learning experience or to book your free visit.
Typically, learning experiences may involve workshops, tours, talks, loan boxes and handling sessions. We take a more comprehensive approach to popular subjects such as the Chinese New Year or the Shang Dynasty.
Please note all our activities should be booked at least a month in advance. All learning experiences are available at school and the Museum.
Two easy steps to design your learning experiences:
1. Decide where you would like activities to be held
At the Museum
Take over the Museum! Most of our educational visits to the Museum take place on a Monday when we open our doors to pre-booked school visits only. This way your class can freely engage with the collections and enjoy activities and workshops in our galleries and education room.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Minimum 12 students; maximum 30
- Cost: £3.50 per student (teachers and accompanying adults free)
At your school
One of our facilitators can visit your school and work with more than one class. This is suited to schools that want as many students to be involved as possible. Alternatively, you could deliver self-guided learning experiences by borrowing one of our loan boxes. (link to the loan boxes section below)
Duration and cost: whole day £250 or half a day £150 plus transportation costs
Please note: times, fees and other conditions may vary according to the activity/theme
2: Decide what learning experiences you would like to book
You can choose from our catalogue of set learning experiences or discuss with us developing a completely bespoke learning experience to suit your class needs and lesson plans.
Below is a list of our most popular set learning experiences:
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CHINESE INVENTIONS: LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHANG DYNASTY
At a glance
This experience introduces the Shang Dynasty and the origins of Chinese civilization by using objects in our unique Chinese Inventions Loan Box, and through a calligraphy workshop.
Curriculum links
More informationKey Stage 1/2: Art and Design, Design and Technology, English, Languages, History, Mathematics, Geography, Science
Key Stage 3: Art and Design, Design and Technology, English, Languages, Citizenship, Geography Science, History, ICT
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Chinese New Year Experience
At a glance
This experience is perfect for planning a Chinese New Year programme or if you would like to explore China with a fun and festive approach. This session includes handling objects from our Chinese New Year Loan Box and creating your own traditional decorations like dragons, masks, lanterns and more!
Curriculum links
More informationKey Stage 1 and 2: Art and Design, Languages
Key Stage 3 and 4: Art and Design, Languages, Citizenship
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East Asian Performing Arts
At a glance
Explore Chinese opera, Japanese Kabuki, the Dragon Dance, shadow puppet performances… This fun experience offers fascinating insights into traditional East Asian performing arts.
Curriculum links
More informationKey Stage 1 and 2: Art and Design, English, Languages
Key Stage 3 and 4: Art and Design, Languages, Citizenship
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ARCHAEOLOGY: THE TERRACOTTA WARRIOR EXPERIENCE
At a glance
This learning experience aims to introduce one of the most famous archaeological finds in the world: Emperor Qing Shi Huang´s mausoleum and its terracotta warriors. Explore Chinese history and reflect on the past.
Curriculum links
More informationKey Stage 1 and 2: Art and Design, History
Key Stage 3 and 4: Art and Design, Languages, Citizenship
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Japan Day
At a glance
This experience is packed with fun and cross-curricular activities designed to provide one of the most comprehensive Japanese cultural experiences for schools available today.
Curriculum links
More informationKey Stage 1 and 2: Art and Design, English, Languages
Key Stage 3 and 4: Art and Design, English, Languages, Citizenship
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WAYS OF SEEING: A NEW APPROACH TO LOOKING AT ARTEFACTS AND SKETCHING THEM
At a glance
In the Ways of Seeing learning experience, we invite students to handle objects from our loan box, discuss ways of seeing and East Asian aesthetics. Students will create their own DIY sketch book with a theme of their choice.
Curriculum links
More informationSpecially created for Secondary Education
Art and Design, Chinese Language, Art History, Chinese Culture
Loan Boxes: Self-guided learning experiences
Our loan boxes are one of our most popular resources. They can be lent to schools for free for a maximum two-week slot each time (a £50 deposit is necessary).
All loan boxes include a Teachers Booklet with background information, object explanations, photocopiable activities and scheme of work tables design to support your lesson planning. Objects in the boxes make a great starting point for developing a series of innovative activities.
Subjects currently available:
- Buddhism
- Chinese Calligraphy
- Japanese Arts: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Japanese Dolls
- Chinese New Year
- Chinese Inventions (and the Shang Dynasty)
To book your loan box: