Imperial War Museum North

What will students see and do?

IWM North was specifically designed to enhance the stories told within and give visitors a multisensory experience.

The museum tells the powerful stories of over a century of war, from the First World War to the present day, and makes full use of its 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.

The museum offers a unique and people-focused approach to learning about conflict, creating a welcoming and educational experience for all.

IWM North is the only one of the Imperial War Museum sites to offer a ‘Big Picture Show’, which encompasses a 360-degree 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 from 11am to 4pm and create a fully immersive experience for all visitors.

The museum offers 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, visit the IWM North website or contact Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

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.

Schools can visit for free through the self-guided trip option, which enables students to make use of the museum’s online resources and gallery trail guides.

Alternatively, you can book a learning session to supplement your visit. You can choose what session is right for you, as IWM North has options for upper Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4, covering a range of topics such as history, English, religious studies, journalism, film making, and citizenship.

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

Alongside a booking, schools are 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 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.

Ministry of Memory: Designed for Key Stage 2, this immersive and interactive experience investigates Remembrance and personal stories from the First World War to today.  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: In this exploration of life in Nazi Germany 1919–1939, students will deepen their understanding of how political, economic, and social change 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, visit the website or contact Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk.

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.

PLANNING

Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment

Download Now