Our Schools Programme

Our Workshops

Our schools programme will captive and inspire young minds through exploration, discovery and wonder. Come face to face with the creatures of the Jurassic Coast and uncover the archaeology of ancient Dorset. Discover the tales of Thomas Hardy and be inspired by the creativity of Dorset’s artists.

A fascinating and interactive way for school groups to explore our unique collections, led by our experienced, creative Learning Team. Workshops are tailored to key stages, and there are fun add-on activities to make the most of your visit.

Are you planning a school visit? Choose between engaging, interactive workshops led by our experienced museum staff and volunteers or self-led visits to explore at your own pace.

 

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  • Opening hours:

    Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
    Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm

    TASTE Café
    Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
    Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Dorset Museum

    High West Street
    Dorchester DT1 1XA

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Early Years and Key Stage 1

Our hands-on, fun workshops for Early Years and Key Stage 1 offer children plenty of opportunities to discover, explore and wonder.

The Museum Learning team bring fascinating objects and stories to life, helping children learn about the world around them. Storytelling and song make the experience truly memorable.

Have lunch in the John White Learning Space, explore the galleries, then bring your morning workshop to life by adding one of our afternoon activities.

How To Book

For booking your visit and lunch space or an unguided visit.
Call: 01305 262735
Email: [email protected]

Contact us

Workshops

Key Stage 2

A choice of hands-on workshops aimed at Key Stage 2 that put object handling, enquiry-based learning and creativity at the heart of pupils’ learning and exploration.

Take part in an archaeological investigation, excavate real and replica objects and explore the Museum’s collection in a fun and engaging way. Have lunch in the John White Learning Space, explore the galleries, then bring your morning workshop to life by adding one of our afternoon activities based on ancient crafts.

How to book

For booking your visit and lunch space or an unguided visit.
Call: 01305 262735
Email: [email protected]

Contact us

Workshops

Schools Workshop | Natural Collection 🐛


Boys lying on grass and looking through magnifier

  • Duration of workshop:  2 hours
  • Cost:  FREE
  • Aimed at: Key Stage 2

A FREE science-based workshop at Dorset Museum in partnership with Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is challenging students across the UK to help everyone better understand the nature around us.

Nature in the UK is under threat, and we all have a part to play in the solution. The Natural History Museum and Dorset Museum need your students to become local experts, help observe and collect new data, and take action through science to make a real difference.

As part of this national project, Dorset Museum is offering schools free curriculum-linked workshops.  Aimed at Key Stage 2, pupils will gain a unique opportunity to learn about extraordinary hidden worlds, mini-beasts, habitats and adaptations.  Pupils will explore Dorset Museum’s hidden collection, discover how early scientists worked and develop their own scientific thinking. Inspired by the Dorset Museum’s incredible collection pupils will also make their own nature journal to take away.

  • Explore the Urban Nature project
More info

How to book

For booking your visit and lunch space or an unguided visit.
Call: 01305 262735
Email: [email protected]

Contact us

Accessibility

Special Educational Needs

All our galleries and exhibitions have been designed with accessibility in mind.

If you have specific needs, please tell the Learning Team when you book and we will do our best to support your visit.

TASTE Café

Open daily 9.00am - 4.30pm | Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm
TASTE-Cafe-Dorset-Museum

Lunch?

Have lunch in the TASTE Café at Dorset Museum, Victorian Hall, or Courtyard after your workshop.

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Dorset Museum Toys

Gifts and Souvenirs

Remember your visit with a little something from our wonderful selection of pocket money goodies for all ages.