Education

We offer a range of activities and resources at our sites for schools and educational groups and for our general visitors. The museums and collections provide exciting opportunities to learn about History, Science, Technology, Maths, Geography, Environment and English.

Pre-booked self guided visits have FREE entry to either site. A small charge will apply for any room hire.

For information on our schools and group visits programme and to contact our education team click below:

SIMT Education Leaflet 2009/10

Planning a Group Visit - Activities

Planning a Group Visit - Living History Days

Facilities at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet offers an atmospheric, immersive environment where historic living and working conditions can be explored. Its collections and buildings relate to the industrial revolution and the Victorian era. Information boards inside and outside the buildings will tell you more about the site and there are more facilities available for your visit detailed below.

The Works Gallery

The hands on interactive gallery where children can try to be steelmakers and discover materials involved in steel and scythe manufacture. The works gallery also has a CD-Rom which has a number of historical sources relating to life and work in the local area and video clips of steel and scythe making processes.

Topics covered: Ideal for studying materials, history and steelmaking.

Booking requirements: Please check that the space is available prior to your visit.

We cover many aspects of the National Curriculum  some example sessions include:

Washday Activities

Groups can use all the old fashioned equipment in the courtyard to wash the clothes. Children get the chance to use a dolly, posser, scrubbing board and mangle.

Topics covered: Victorian washing, domestic life and Houses and Homes.

Booking requirements: This activity must be pre-booked. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times when equipment is in use.

Victorian Costume and Toys

Children can dress in mop caps, pinnies, steel makers' aprons and waist coats. They can also look at a range of rich children's and adult costume. They can play with a range of traditional children's games and toys including cup and ball, five stones, swing toys and bridge board.

Topics covered: Victorian children

Booking requirements: This activity must be pre-booked. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times when equipment is in use.

Practical Information about your visit

Access

The Works Gallery has Braille and items that can be touched for visually impaired visitors. There is also an audio guide of the site. Abbeydale is a listed building and scheduled ancient monument, and there are areas which are only accessible by steps or narrow doorways. If members of your group have mobility difficulties please let us know in advance and we will make every effort to accommodate everyone.

Lunch Space

The upstairs Education Rooms are available all year round for packed lunches. There is a grassy area where packed lunches can be eaten in good weather.

Transport and Parking

Coaches can drop groups off at the main museum gates. Coaches may be able to use the museum car park, but please check in advance as space is limited. There is parking available for cars and minibuses within the museum gates. The 97 and 97A buses stop outside the gates.

Museum Shop

The shop sells a wide range of publications, souvenirs and gifts. Please arrange a shop visit when making your booking with the Education and Access Officer. Children must be supervised and in small groups.