Imperial War Museum

What will students see and do?

IWM London tells the story of conflict from the outset of the First World War in 1914 to the present day.

School groups can choose to take part in a variety of learning sessions aimed at Key Stage 2–4, led by one of the museum’s expert educators. Alternatively, groups can opt to explore the museum on a free, self-guided visit.

Both the museum’s bookable learning sessions and self-guided visits help students and groups to unfold people’s stories in a variety of ways, including through the use of digital technologies, by handling objects, and engaging in conversations with veterans and eyewitnesses of conflict.

Teachers can also tailor their sessions to themes or specific times in history.

All school visits must be pre-booked, and school group access to the Holocaust Galleries is only permitted as part of the museum’s Holocaust Learning Programme.

For additional information and ways to book, please visit the Imperial War Museum website.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

Imperial War Museum London is the world’s leading museum of war and conflict. The museum was first founded during the First World War and is committed to giving voices to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people who lived or are living through conflicts.

Self-guided visit: Students will be greeted by one of the museum’s ‘Meet and Greet’ volunteers upon their arrival at the West Entrance (subject to availability). The volunteers will provide the essential information for the visit and an insightful introduction to the museum.

Alongside their booking, schools are given a dedicated time slot to use the lunchroom and baskets for students to store their belongings.

Documentary Challenge: This 45-minute digital-led session is delivered by one of the museum’s learning experts. In groups of three, students are 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.

We Were There: This is a unique chance for students to meet veterans and eyewitnesses from the Second World War to today, hear their personal stories, ask questions, and connect through conversations.

Holocaust Learning Programme: Through self-guided and directed study, students will be given space to examine key questions by looking at personal stories and objects in The Holocaust Galleries. They will be encouraged to think about the role of individuals, groups, governments and much more.

At the end of the session, students will come together in the Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre to discuss what they have learned and to record a personal reflection about the Holocaust and its legacy.

Subjects covered

Details of risk assessment

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. Site-specific factors that should be considered in relation to the individual needs of each group member are listed here to help you with your own risk assessment.

You can find the museum’s Schools Code of Conduct here.

IWM wishes to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are safe and protected from harm whilst visiting its premises. Its safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures outline the safeguarding systems the museum has in place.

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