Sketching in the gallery
Free teacher-led visits
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY TAKING BOOKINGS FOR SCHOOL VISITS.
Like many people you are undoubtedly looking forward to visiting RAMM with your school.
In line with the current UK Government guidance the museum is closed. The lockdown easing steps allows for museums to reopen from 17 May, however this is subject to public health meeting a number of criteria relating to the coronavirus, as well as any local restrictions, and so may change.
A number of measures were put in place last year to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit to RAMM. Core to this are separate entry and exit points with staggered entry, a one-way route, clear way marking (to help visitors maintain social distancing), additional cleaning, and limits on the total number of visitors. There is an individual group size limit of six people. We await further guidance on whether these limits will remain in place when we reopen, as this will restrict our ability to welcome school groups into the museum.
In the meantime, have you taken a look at the online learning resources that we have made available for your school to use for free?
We would encourage you to explore RAMM’s online resources that support teaching and learning at home. Based on our collections and local links, our online learning is crammed full of historical facts, fun learning opportunities and creative ideas to inspire.
These are created for Key Stage 2 pupils, but available to anyone who has an interest in: The Second World War, Roman Devon or Ancient Egypt.
We are also looking at extending our online learning offer, including live Zoom sessions for schools, and it would be great to hear if your school would like to take part in a pilot by sending an email to [email protected]
What we offer
Teacher-led visits are free.
We have just introduced our new ‘gallery games’ for free teacher-led visits that introduce game-based learning in our galleries to make both look-around and subject-based visits even more memorable. You can also take a look around the galleries before you arrive.
We also offer schools the opportunity to complete Arts Award Discover. This takes the form of a booklet that can be easily completed in a single trip. It is a creative and fun way to find out about RAMM and the many different things the museum has in it. Find out more about Arts Award Discover here.
Why not try out some ‘Think Links’ which you can download from the foot of this page. These provide clue-based learning for individuals or groups in the galleries for either look-around or subject-specific visits. Few or no resources are needed. It’s a good idea to download and read through for ideas a little while before visiting so you can see which games would best suit your children and aims for the day. If you try them out, please let us know how you get on.
Rooms for baggage and lunch can be hired.
Students are welcome to sketch and take notes but no wet or messy media such as watercolours or charcoals are allowed. Photographs can be taken, preferably without flash, in all but the temporary exhibition galleries.
No eating is allowed in the galleries, but you are welcome to take a snack break in our grassy area by the garden entrance.
RAMM is fully accessible to children with mobility disabilities, including toilets. Schools bringing disabled children can book a parking space at the museum’s garden entrance. The nearest drop-off point for coaches is in Queen Street outside Central station, 100 metres from the Queen Street entrance.
Free downloadable materials to support teaching and learning are available for workshops in schools.
What we require from you
Please do:
- Book your visit using our online system.
- Familiarise yourself with RAMM and formulate your own risk assessment.
- Plan a suitable venue for your lunch break. Rooms can be hired for lunch but food and drink may not be consumed in the galleries.
- Upon arrival at the new garden reception next to the Phoenix Arts Centre please register with reception to confirm that adult:child ratios are correct and to complete a Health & Safety declaration.
- Keep access to galleries and exits clear.
Risk Assessment
Guidance for your risk assessment.
Supervision
Maximum group size 120.
One teacher must be QTS accredited (Qualified Teacher Status) and there must also be an additional teacher to circulate between groups. We would recommend splitting up large groups during the visit.
- Children aged 0-4 1 adult: 3 children
- Children aged 5-7 (KS1) 1 adult: 6 children
- Children aged 8 -11 (KS2) 1 adult: 10 children
- Children aged 12 and over (KS3 +) 1 adult: 15 children
Accompanying adults should not have babies/toddlers/buggies with them.
First aid provision
RAMM can provide basic first aid in the event of a minor accident. If any pupil has specific illnesses, however, e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, allergies etc., the school must bring an adult who has specialist knowledge and ability to treat these pupils.
Minor injury
All pupils and adults should wear appropriate clothing and footwear and only walk in the museum to avoid slips and trips.
Allergic reaction to materials on open display
Teachers need to be aware of allergies amongst their children and if in any doubt about the possibility of allergic reaction to materials on open display then the risk to their children should be assessed in the familiarisation visit.
Room hire for bags and lunch
When available, meeting rooms can be booked for schools to leave their bags and have lunch. Rooms are usually booked from 10am to 2pm.
Bag deposit & lunch: £150.00 (excluding VAT)
Please note we have a maximum room allowance for seating and it might be necessary to have a number of ‘sittings’ to accommodate. Please state number of children when emailing and we can advise.
To hire a room for bags and lunch, please email [email protected]
Free activity sheets
Free activity sheets to help guide a visit around RAMM
Use this floor plan to plan your visit.