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FORMAL EDUCATION Our award-winning Education Service offers a wide range of structured sessions for schools, colleges and other formal learning groups in Bedfordshire and beyond. In addition we support teachers with resources and training and run a busy informal learning programme. The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and two adjacent historic buildings are undergoing major refurbishment over 2007-09 as part of a phased programme of improvements to the site. This means that the Art Gallery is currently closed to visitors. However, the Education Service is running a full programme of activity sessions for schools in Bedford Museum including many formerly taught in the Gallery. Please contact us for further details. Our schools’ programme supports the National Curriculum and is tailored to the varied ages, abilities, learning styles and needs of the children. All our sessions are cross-curricular in their approach and provide pupils with opportunities to learn in an enjoyable and stimulating environment which promotes creativity. We always welcome enquiries and feedback and are happy to adapt sessions in order to meet your particular needs. Primary and Self Directed visits We encourage all teachers to make a preliminary visit to the site before bringing pupils. Please ring in advance if you would like to meet a member of our education staff (weekdays only) or to discuss the visit. Our Risk Assessment is sent to you on booking to support you in writing your own. Teachers are welcome to lead their own group visits to the Museum but please book with us in advance to avoid clashes with other groups. In order to compensate for the closure of the Art Gallery this year we are increasing our outreach service to schools up to an hour’s drive from Bedford. Sessions we can offer include:
In addition we are happy to run engaging introductions to museums and collections for assemblies. Continuing Professional Development Our CPD opportunities for teachers include sessions on how a museum visit can enhance learning and introductions to new exhibitions and resources. Information about these is contained in our newsletters and on our website and is mailed to subject co-ordinators. We can also offer tailor-made courses for your staff on site or in school. Initial Teacher Training We are keen to work with ITT providers and their students to highlight the unique, cross-curricular and stimulating learning which can take place in museums and demonstrate how museum learning can help deliver key outcomes for schools. Working in Partnership We like to work closely with schools and other organisations to develop our service. Examples of recent and current partnerships include:
If you would like to work with us to enhance your pupils’ learning and to take advantage of project, CPD and funding opportunities as they arise please contact us. Our education team includes experienced volunteers who run many of our activity sessions. If any part-time or retired teacher or person experienced in working with children is interested in joining us as a volunteer please contact us for further details. Online Learning The Education Service is developing its online learning provision for schools. Currently it provides four schemes of work for Key Stages 1 and 2 centred on the collections of the Museum and Art Gallery. These offer engaging lesson content, photographic and in some cases documentary and aural resources, pupil interactives, IWB material and teachers’ notes.
Please note that while the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery is closed access to some of the collections used in these resources is not possible.
Keeping you Informed Every term we send your school administrator our newsletter with details of current exhibitions, related activity sessions, CPD opportunities and special events. You can also download it from our website. If you would like to receive our newsletter via email please contact us. |