Secondary programme

Our secondary programme is aimed at enriching students’ awareness and understanding of the diversity of human cultures across the world and through time.

To offer you the greatest flexibility, all secondary programmes are by arrangement based on availability of rooms and staff.  A programme must be requested at least seven weeks in advance of your planned visit.  All programmes are free except where stated.

Programmes for 2009-10 include:

Objects in focus: visit introductions

(KS3 and KS4)

10.30 and 12.00 or by arrangement

These illustrated talks (30–40 minutes) are specially designed to help students understand the cultural context of the objects they are seeing in the Museum. We encourage students to make links between different parts of the world and to re-evaluate familiar attitudes and values.

We will tailor this session to any topic or theme that you are working on and to any subject area (e.g. Art, RE, History, Citizenship). Ready-made talks are available on the following topics: Africa, the Islamic world, masks, the human figure, interpreting Greek pots.

Maximum group: 150

Download support notes for teachers (pdf 40kb)

Japanese printmaking

10.30-14.30

A practical workshop for AS/A2 and GCSE Art & Design students. Drawing on the Museum’s wide collection of Japanese prints for inspiration, students will design, cut and print their own woodblocks using traditional techniques.

Maximum group: 15
£5 per student

Download support notes for teachers (pdf 64kb)

The medieval Islamic world

10.30 and 12.00 or by arrangement

This gallery-based session uses key objects to explore major political, social and cultural developments in the Islamic world during the medieval period. Important links with Britain and Europe will be highlighted throughout to help students and teachers to engage with other relevant collections in the Museum.

Maximum group: 30

China in action (KS3)

10.30–14.30 or by arrangement

A multi-activity day incorporating Tai Chi, pop music, poetry, calligraphy and more to showcase contemporary China and link its present with its past. Teachers accompanying students will be expected to help run some of the sessions – we will provide all materials and explain the sessions in advance.

Maximum group: 60

Maths challenge (KS3)

10.30–14.30 or by arrangement

Students follow in the footsteps of ancient mathematicians as they use the Museum’s galleries to solve problems and learn about objects and culture. This session puts mathematics in context. Students think about and communicate ideas, engaging in problem solving activities and creating and identifying mathematical problems within given contexts.

Maximum group: 85

To book, contact the Schools Team on 020 7323 8850/8510 or email learning@britishmuseum.org.

Please have the following information ready:

• topic or title of session
• year group and number of students
• preferred timing of session