Schools at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Get excited about art, archaeology and history
“It’s great for the kids to see such works of art. And the staff are amazing” KS2 teacher
In this world-class gallery and museum, pupils can immerse themselves in contemporary and historic works of art, natural history, military history, geology and archaeology. Alongside outstanding works of art, objects on display include dinosaur footprints, historic military uniforms and a 2.5 metre Sturgeon.
The gallery runs a lively programme of activities and events for all ages, linked to the collections and temporary exhibitions.
We offer the following topics for schools. Please bear in mind that these sessions are guidelines but can be adapted to suit your pupils’ ages and SEND requirements.
Learning Activities at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum
Scroll through our learning topics below. Please bear in mind that these sessions are guidelines but can be adapted to suit your pupils’ ages and SEND requirements or to suit your educational programme.
Versatile sessions to suit different Key stages
Early Years, Key stage 1 and 2, and SEND groups
Butterflies and Moths
The group can discover our wonderful butterfly and moth collection. Inspired by the incredible shapes and colours, children can create their own 3D insects, and sketch these beautiful creatures – working with colour and charcoal.
This workshop can be adapted for Key stage 1 and 2.
Fun Fossils and Rocking Rocks!
This activity encourages children to explore and handle our wonderful collection of fossils, rocks and minerals. They will have the opportunity to sort the specimens and make charcoal observation drawings. After looking at the tools of the geologist (and dressing up!) teams will be able to create erupting volcanoes!
Fighting Armour and Paper Dragons
Children will be able to examine and handle examples of replica armour from different periods, and have fun making origami paper dragons ready for battle!
Nature’s Treasure Trove
Be inspired by a wonderful display of rocks, shells and fossils, collected by Victorian fossil hunters and geologists from around the world! Children can observe the shapes, colours, textures and replica patterns by drawing (with charcoal) and make clay fossil impressions.
Woodland Magic
Working with our collection of British mammal specimens, the children will explore different animal worlds and create a 3D animal habitat using an assortment of collage material and clay.
Toys of the Past
How are our toys different from those in the past? An opportunity for children to discover the magic of our toy collection and to make a simple pop-up puppet!
The children will be able to discover, handle and discuss objects from our WW1 collection. They will also make single poppies and a collective poppy wreath to take back to school. The topic of the Great War is sensitively taught for a young audience.
The children will have the opportunity to study several portraits from the museum collection. The paintings reflect varied styles, media and fashion. The class will be able to create a clay sculpture and a portrait of a friend (working in pastel and chalk). Period dressing-up hats will be available to introduce a variety of characters!
Using objects and historical sources our aim is to bring the Home Front alive!
Activities include: ‘Pack a Parcel’ (an insight to rationing and POW status) and ‘War Work’ (Worcestershire war time memories, photographs and objects).
Plan Your School Visit
Essential Information
All school visits to Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum must be booked in advance. To make a booking, contact Kate Phillipson our Learning and Communities Coordinator (01905 25371).
For all visits to the Art Gallery we ask that you:
- Ensure that pupils understand that the gallery is a public space and that the needs of other visitors are to be respected.
- That you provide the appropriate level of adult support to child ratio, particularly where children are working in small groups.
Self-Directed Visits
You can visit the gallery as part of a self-directed group, or you can book a workshop session with a member of our Gallery Education team. If you are visiting as a self-directed group, we recommend that you make a preliminary planning visit to the gallery, as our exhibitions change regularly, and you may want to make sure that the displays are appropriate for your visit.
Tailored Learning
The Art Gallery has a small education team, which includes freelancers and artists. We can devise sessions to meet your needs and respond to current teaching programmes. For further discussion please contact: Kate Phillipson, Learning and Communities Coordinator (01905 25371).
Prices
- Museum Staff led sessions KS3 and above: £5 each
- Early Years / Key stages 1 & 2: £100 per session*
- S. E. N. D: £100 per session* or £5 each
- School loans boxes and handling objects: £10 – £20
*approx. 30 children per session
Plan Your Visit
You can find out more about the museum, general facilities, accessibility and directions on the visit us page.
Booking your session
For more information, to discuss or make a booking for Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, please click here to submit an enquiry form. A member of the team will be with you shortly.
If your query is urgent, contact Kate Phillipson – Learning and Communities Coordinator on 01905 25371.