Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is currently closed while undergoing a £13.6m transformation.  Find out more

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Workshops & Assemblies

While Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is undergoing its redevelopment, we are bringing our workshops out into your schools across Sunderland. 

Make it yours

Choose one workshop or bring the museum to several classes. You can mix and match different themes from the list below to suit different year groups. Bespoke workshops and assemblies may be possible with advanced notice – please get in touch to discuss availability and options.

 

  • One 60-minute workshop – £65 
  • One 90-minute workshop – £95 
  • Half day: three 60-minute workshops – £125 
  • Full day: five 60-munite workshops – £265
  • Tailored 30-minute school assembly – £65 
  • Specialist artist-led day – £300 

 

Workshops are available for up to 35 people, with discounted rates for less than 15 people. 

Get in touch 

Two children using scissors to cut a piece of paper. One has dark short hair and the other has pal ginger hair tied in a pony tail.

History workshops

A boy of approximately ten years old is at a desk. He is wearing a beige hoody. He has a bowl haircut and has mousey hair. He has safety glasses on and is stirring a liquid in a clear beaker.

Science workshops

History Workshops

From the fifth century monks of St Peters Monastery to twentieth century domesticity, uncover the past with our in-school history workshops delivered by the Museum’s learning team.   

Get in touch  

A museum exhibit on the history of mining in North East England. A colourful textile banner featuring a portrait of an old man with a pipe sits behind a picket fence that has red jackets hanging from it. Gold text on the banner reads ‘National Union of Mineworkers, Durham Area’.

Coal, Glass and Ships

KS1, KS2 

Investigate Sunderland’s industrial heritage from 19th to the early 20th Century in this interactive workshop, exploring photographs, artifacts and archive material. This workshop can be adapted to focus on certain local areas or a particular industry. 

A child with dark hair wearing a blue jumper sitting at a table and writing on a piece of paper.

Victoria Hall Disaster: Historical Enquiry Skills

KS2 

Investigate different historical evidence sources from the time of the Victoria Hall Disaster and compare their richness, reliability and relevance. Piece together the story of this important and often misunderstood event. 

A child with long brown hair and a white T-shirt sat at a table with an adult with long red hair and black and white spotted top.

Rebel Women

KS2 

Let your pupils find out more about the women who lived and worked in Sunderland. Who was the bravest, the richest, who was a pioneer, who had strong roots in the community. Work out the way each contributed to the city. 

Two individuals play with a dog on the sand. Behind them is an expanse of water with a brick structure and lighthouse.

Beside the Seaside: Seaside holidays in the past

KS1, KS2 

Learn how seaside holidays began. Find out what holidaymakers in Seaburn and Roker did, what they wore and what they ate. Examine objects from the Museum’s handling collection.

A child dressed in a yellow jumper and blue skirt plays with a series of moveable cubes. Above the display 'Create a Bird' is written.

Toys: Past and Present

EYFS, KS1 

Delve into our toy treasure chest in this hands-on workshop investigating the similarities and differences between old and new toys. 

A colourful exhibit in a museum. Orange pillars stand behind glass domes with items in display. Large blue columns stand behind the pillars and display retro posters and images.

Homes in Living Memory

KS1 

Pupils can examine objects to find out what life was like in the twentieth century, what has changed and what has stayed the same. 

A large metal bridge stretches across a large body of water. To the left the image the sun is setting in the distance.

River Wear Story – a local study 

KS2 

Explore how the River Wear has impacted people’s lives. As well as ship building and coal mining, find out about nature, sport and leisure. Handle artifacts and examine archive evidence to uncover key facts about the Wear. 

Science Workshops

From the water cycle to the rainforest, explore science and nature topics with our in-school workshops delivered by the Museum’s learning team.   

Get in touch  

A large, towering silver sculpture with water flowing down it. It is surrounded by a winding metal staircase and green foliage.

Wonderful Water 

KS1, KS2 

Follow Fred, a drop of water, as they travel through the Water Cycle and find out how water is used by plants, animals and people. 

A path and a short bridge curving through dense green trees and plants. There are large boulders to the left of the path.

Lola the Lemur: Rainforest Workshop 

KS1 

Compare and contrast local and tropical environments, and allow pupils to discover more about the Rainforests and how they are different to the natural habitats that surround us. 

A large green palm tree and other tall green trees in a glass and metal building.

Rainforest Rescue 

KS2 

Investigate the importance of Rainforests and how they affect the planet and our daily lives, and why they need protecting. Explore objects and write a persuasive letter to help save the rainforest. 

Get in touch to book