Museums and Schools Programme
The four year programme is supported by Arts Council England (ACE) and funded through the Department for Education as a response to key recommendations from Cultural Education: an independent review by Darren Henley.
In 2012, regional and national museums formed 10 partnerships to work with local schools and increase the number of pupils receiving high-quality educational visits. The programme aims to reach schools in areas which have the greatest need and to spark young people’s curiosity and encourage a lifelong passion for culture and learning.
As part of the Museums and Schools programme, the SS Great Britain Trust partnered with the Science Museum in London to create new and exciting opportunities for local schools.
During the first three years of the project the Trust welcomed 8,283 pupils, from 124 schools in the Bristol area, to Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Pupils benefited from opportunities to:
- Visit with their class and discover the story of the ship, what life was like for passengers and crew and more about the engineering talents of Isambard Kingdom Brunel
- Attend summer, family events designed to celebrate their transition into year 7
- Explore their inner Brunel with the Trust’s award winning game: Full Steam Ahead
- Share their experiences and enjoy a free return visit with their families.
Find out more about the national Museums and Schools programme and case studies from the SS Great Britain Trust’s project and other participating regions here – GEM Case Studies: Museums and Schools Working Together publication (PDF download)
Full Steam Ahead Game
