Imperial War Museum North
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Imperial War Museum, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, M17 1TZ
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Art and Design | STEM | Museums | Ships & Maritime Museums | Historical Heritage | Day Trip Destinations | Science | History | English | Citizenship | World War Tours
What we offer on a school trip
IWM North was specifically designed to enhance the stories within and give visitors a multisensory experience. We tell the powerful stories of over a century of war, from the First World War to present and make full use of our extraordinary exhibition space to deliver an award-winning immersive visit. The galleries include a variety of interactive displays as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions, including the ‘Poppies’ that were first featured at the Tower of London in 2014. Our museum offers a unique and people focused approach to learning about conflict, creating a welcoming and educational experience for all.
We offer a variety of bookable learning sessions such as Ministry of Memory, Documentary Challenge, Life in Nazi Germany and We Were There: Ask Questions About Conflict.
For more information about what’s on offer please visit: IWM North School Visits, Trips And Learning Sessions | IWM
Or contact: Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk
What makes us a great choice for education
A visit to IWM North is a unique experience, as the very building itself is designed to enhance your visit. We are the only one of our Imperial War Museum sites to offer a ‘Big Picture Show’, which encompasses a 360-cinema experience projected around the Main Exhibition Space. Each show focuses on a different theme surrounding conflict, with the 11am show being designed especially for school age children. They happen on the hour every hour from 11am to 4pm and create a fully immersive experience for all visitors.
What is typically included on our school trips
Explore displays on First and Second World War themes such as the Blitz, evacuation, life on the home front, rationing and trench warfare. Study of the interwar period, Cold War and modern conflicts can also be enriched by a visit. You can visit us for free through our self-guided trip option where you can make use of our online resources and gallery trail guides. Or you can book a learning session to supplement your visit. Choose what session is right for you as we have options for Upper Key Stage 2- Key Stage 4, covering a range of topics such as History, English, Religious Studies, Journalism, film making or Citizenship.
Self-guided visit: Students will be greeted by one of our "Meet and Greet" volunteers upon their arrival at the Group Entrance (subject to availability). Our volunteers will provide the essential information for the school's visit and an insightful introduction to the museum. Alongside their booking, the school will be given a dedicated time slot to use the lunchroom (if previously booked) and baskets for students to store their belongings.
Documentary Challenge: This 45-minute digital-led session is delivered by one of our learning experts. In a group of three, the student will be given a clapper board and a mobile phone to create a documentary of their chosen object in the gallery. The recorded video will be accessible to the school after the session and stored securely in a private cloud database.
Ministry of Memory: This immersive and interactive experience investigates Remembrance and personal stories from the First World War to today. Designed for Key stage 2, agents of the Ministry of Memory enlist the help of students to save IWM North from the Memory Scramblers- a group of monsters who are out to erase the personal stories in the collection.
Guided by audio headsets and performance challenges, students are tasked with rediscovering Remembrance and uncovering past and present remembrance rituals.
We Were There: This is a unique chance for students to meet veterans and eyewitnesses of a wide range of conflicts and hear their personal stories, ask questions and connect through conversations.
The Holocaust: Life in Nazi Germany 1919-1939: Students will deepen their understanding of how political, economic, and social changed in Germany affected the people who lived there. They will use artefacts and archive material to make links between individuals, groups, and events.
For more information about what’s on offer please visit: IWM North School Visits, Trips And Learning Sessions | IWM
Or contact: Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk
Group Sizes Catered For
We can accommodate school groups of any size, although we will ask you to stagger your arrival times by groups of 60. Learning Sessions can accommodate groups of 30 at a time.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
Our website offers a variety of online resources for KS2 - KS3, including gallery guides, interactive classroom resources and continuing professional development materials for teachers. All of these are free, and you can download them anytime.
Learning Resources available for free online here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/resources
Trails and gallery guides, for both KS2 and KS3 available for free here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/sessions/activity-trails-iwm-north
Or if a visit to the site in not possible at the moment, why not bring the museum to you through our free First World War and Second World War Loan Boxes:
First World War kit bags | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)
Second World War Loan Boxes | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
You are welcome to take photos and video for personal, non-commercial use. Please respect the privacy of other Museum visitors, avoid the use of flash and tripods, and taking photos or filming people without permission. Please observe signage indicating where photography and filming is not permitted.
Our copyright policy can be found here https://www.iwm.org.uk/corporate/policies/copyright and safeguarding policy can be found here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/sites/default/files/files/2022-05/IWM%20Safeguarding%20Policy%20%282022%29%20.pdf
Risk Assessment Details
Teachers are advised to carry out a preliminary visit in advance of their school trip in order to conduct their own risk assessment. Responsibility for pupils on school visits remains with the teachers at all times.
Everyday hazards such as slipping, tripping or falling on stairs, trapping fingers in doors and cuts and bruises are inherent in all environments. The following site-specific factors should be considered in relation to the individual needs of each group member.
Our full Risk Identification guide can be found here: Risk Identification IWM North | Imperial War Museums
Education Officer Information
To make a booking or if you have any further questions, please contact of bookings team: Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk
Pricing Information
Our self-guided visits are free, for more information please visit: Self-Guided Visits for IWM North | Imperial War Museums
If you would like to book a session for your group please visit our bookings page for up to date prices: Learning sessions at IWM North | Imperial War Museums
Self-guided visits are free, but booking is essential.
To book a learning session or a school visit please visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/schools. Booking Contact: LearningBookings@iwm.org.uk
Clothing Requirements
There is not specific clothing require for a visit with us, however, we would advise your students to come in their usually school attire or wear a lanyard.
First Aid Information
You will receive a short safety briefing at the start of your visit if you have booked with our team. This will provide any necessary information you may require. Please feel free to ask for any additional information needed. We would recommend school teachers bring their school trip first aid kit with them as they tour around the museum.
Our front of house Security Team can assist you on your visit. Please find the nearest member of staff and they will be able to assist you if an incident should occur.
Available Facilities
- Toilets are located on the ground floor.
- Lunchrooms for school groups are available for free upon request and slots are given on a first come first served basis.
- Locker facilities are free for school groups.
- The IWM North Cafe is located on the ground floor and can be used for teacher refreshments during lunch times. We ask that you do not use the cafe as a lunch space for your group and use your provided lunch slot.
- Our shop offers a wide range of inspiring and unique gifts, from books, clothing and accessories to vintage posters, homeware, toys and souvenirs, all inspired by our collections and the stories they tell (pre-booked goodie bags are available).
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
We are committed to ensuring IWM North is accessible to all visitors, and hope the facilities we have ntroduced enhance your visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/access
We have a limited number of imanual wheelchairs are available for loan, free of charge. If you think you may need one during your visit, please let our booking team know.
Opening Hours & Information
The museum opens Monday – Sunday 10am-6pm every day, with the exception of 24-26 December. Learning sessions and Meet & Greet can be offered Monday to Friday during term time, subject to availability.
Testimonials
“The session helped the pupils to think analytically and not just about history but about diversity, British values and life learning. They are now more aware of what is going on in the world and their place in it.” – Key Stage 2 Teacher booking a We Were There session.
"An incredible way for students to learn. The opportunity to explore, be creative, make choices, voice their thoughts and do so with the rigidness of having to know an examiners mark scheme. Teachers crave being able to support students in learning this way. A wonderful experience!" – Key Stage 3 Teacher, Documentary Challenge session.
"A thoroughly 21st century learning event which genuinely helps to develop historical and deeper understanding of the past." – Key Stage 3 Teacher
Other Information
Take a look at our pre visit page to enhance your visit: Schools Pre-visit Information IWM North | Imperial War Museums
Please take a look at our school bookings Terms and Conditions: Terms and Conditions IWM North | Imperial War Museums
Please also see our Schools Code of Conduct: Schools Code of Conduct | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)
IWM wishes to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are safe and protected from harm whilst visiting its premises.
Our safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures outline the safeguarding systems we have in place: Safeguarding Policy 2018.pdf (iwm.org.uk)
