English for Speakers of Other Languages
Free tours for ESOL groups
The British Museum runs a variety of guided 90-minute group
tours for ESOL students on Skills for Life programmes. The
tours are suitable for all Entry levels (pre-Entry, Entry 1–3, and
Levels 1–2). Tours are free and are limited to 20 places each.
General introductory tour
Students are introduced to the history,
purpose and collection of the British Museum by experienced
language teachers. After a short introduction, the students are
given a general tour of the Ground floor of the Museum, including
the Great Court, Enlightenment Gallery, Egyptian and Assyrian
Sculpture Galleries and the Parthenon Gallery.
Students then engage in gallery-based
activities, using worksheets appropriate to their Entry level.
Activities are designed to develop students’ grammar and vocabulary
of both historical and everyday words. Groups can choose between
activities in galleries covering Africa, Asia, the Islamic world,
and ancient Greece.
General introductory tours are at 11.00–12.30
and 13.30–15.00.
Citizenship – Making of the UK
Students are introduced to the settlement and
development of the British Isles from prehistory to the Tudor
period. The guided tour looks at the different migrations of people
from Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Norman French and their
impact on the development of the English language.
Tours of special exhibitions
Babylon, 13 November 2008
– 15 March 2009
Babylon was the greatest city of
ancient Iraq, and its name and image have endured throughout
history. Exploring the Tower of Babel and the 'confusion of
languages' and the Hanging Gardens, students will explore the
importance of this fascinating city.
A limited number of tours will be
available during the exhibition run.
Booking and enquiries
Tutors must book tours in advance.
For bookings, and to get more information about ESOL programmes
and tour dates, email esol@britishmuseum.org
All other foreign language groups should
contact the Museum Box Office for further
information: groups@britishmuseum.org
Resources for visits
Tours arranged with the Museum
Download materials for
students and tutors (pdf 1.72 Mb)
Pre-visit
information for tutors (pdf 188 Kb)
Self-directed visits
To bring your group as part of a self-directed visit, use
our downloadable guide to help you plan your trip.
Download a self-directed visit guide (pdf 87 Kb)
You may also find the pre-visit information and materials for
students and tutors useful.
All downloadable materials created by Andrew David.
The ESOL programme is sponsored by Abbey Charitable Trust