Frequently Asked Questions
- How much time will it take to go around the Museum?
- Most schools spend the day with us, arriving at approximately 10am and leaving at approximately 2.30pm. We would recommend that you allow this amount of time to ensure the students get to see as much of the site as possible. The Guide will be with for the duration of the visit except during lunchtime.
- How long do we spend in the school and mine?
- Upon booking, you will be asked if you want a school and mine slot. The school lesson lasts for approximately 30 minutes and the mine trip lasts approximately 30 minutes. Your guide will be told when you are due to visit these areas of the Museum; they will ensure that you arrive in good time.
- How long do we spend on the canal boat?
- Upon booking you will be asked if you want a canal trip. THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR THIS. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
- What should the students wear?.
- As it is a large open-air site, we recommend waterproofs and comfy shoes.
- Where can the students eat their lunch?
- There are picnic benches around the site (these are indicated on the site map). We also have an undercover area, which can be used in bad weather.
- Is there anywhere that students can buy food or drinks from?
- The Museum has a Canalside Café and refreshment area. Students can buy snacks, sandwiches and drinks from here. In addition, we have a 1930’s Fried Fish Shop where food can be pre-ordered for groups. There is no space for students to eat inside this fish and chip shop.
- Can we hire costumes for the students to wear?
- No, however many schools encourage their students to dress up in appropriate clothes of the period.
- Will the students be able to buy anything?
- Yes, our shop stocks a range of souvenirs and gifts. In addition, we offer a ‘pre-order’ gift pack range for £1 or £2. This saves you time and money! Gift packs can be collected just before you leave. A Gift Shop order form is with this booking pack. In addition, students can buy sweets from our sweet shop.
- I’ve got to complete a risk-assessment, what are the risks on-site?
- The Museum has produced a risk assessment for visiting groups. However, we do recommend a preliminary site visit. These are free for up to 2 teachers. All we ask is when you arrive at the Museum reception; you complete a preliminary visit form.
- Do we need a guide?
- For most educational visits a guide is essential. Occasionally, when a group is carrying out special projects a guide may not be necessary. Individual requirements can be discussed with our Booking Office.
The Museum Working with Education
Teacher Seminars
The Museum offers FREE teacher seminars twice a year, usually in September and May.
These provide you and your colleagues an opportunity to visit the Museum together, meet other teachers and be taken around by a member of our 'Education Panel' and, most importantly, get to sample our delicious Fish and Chips for FREE!
Format for Seminar:
- Guided tour of the Museum in the morning (10am-1pm).
- Opportunity to identify and discuss how you can utilise the Museum and gain the most from future visits.
- FREE time after 1pm to explore the Museum at your leisure.
The seminars are available to any educator, regardless of subject specialism or age group taught.
For more information about the next seminar please contact the Museum on
0121 557 9643 or e-mail info@bclm.com
