Museum packs suitcase and goes on tour of NI schools

Museum on the Move brings the museum experience to the classroom with investigations of real museum objects – provided on loan by National Museums NI – and interactive learning sessions delivered via video link by the museum’s Education team.

The programme has already been piloted with great success in 10 schools across NI. It offers live, interactive learning sessions delivered via video link by the Museum’s Education team. Children also get the chance to investigate real objects offered on loan.

National Museum NI’s Education Manager, Louise Rice, said: “After a really encouraging response to our pilot scheme we want to continue the programme in other school schools as all children return to the classroom. We understand how challenging the learning environment is and the programme is positioned to bring unique learning experiences into the classroom in an engaging and safe way.

“Enhancing and supporting education is at the very heart of National Museums NI, and our collections connect to all areas of the NI curriculum. We have thousands of stories that can spark imaginations and empower children to explore their own curiosity and share discovery. We hope we can support teachers during these challenging times to bring variety to the classroom not only virtually but also with the real historical artefacts they get to see and feel as part of the programme.”

National Museums NI’s education team works in partnership with the teacher to guide their class through an investigation of historic objects. Teachers receive learning resources and materials with each loan box of museum objects. The loan boxes are delivered and picked up by museum staff, following Covid-secure protocols.

Luke McCollum, a teacher involved in the pilot programme from Carnalbanagh PS Ballymena, said: “Museum on the Move was a fantastic opportunity for my class to experience something completely new in a time when opportunities for learning outside the classroom or for visitors to come to school are so limited.”

Hannah McCaughey, a teacher involved in the pilot programme from St Comgall’s PS, Bangor, said: “The children in P5 were transported to another time and world through the Museum on the Move Afterlife programme which focused on Ancient Egypt.

“Having a range of artefacts in their own hands was a powerful experience, along with a live expert archaeologist there to explain their significance.”

Schools wishing to take part can email [email protected]