Schools behind the scenes

These sessions are taught in the Department of Coins and Medals and involve a special chance to peek behind closed doors. Sessions run on Wednesday mornings excluding the first Wednesday of every month.

Start time: 11.00 or 12.30 or by arrangement - please ask the Box Office.

Each session lasts about 1 hour
Maximum group for one session: 30
Cost: free

To book contact the Box Office on +44 (0)20 7323 8181
For more information contact Laura Phillips on +44 (0)20 7323 8288 or lkphillips @ britishmuseum.org

Groups or individuals with special educational or access needs are welcomed, please inform the Box Office of any requirements when booking.

School sessions can be chosen from one of the following topics:

Africa

Catch a glimpse of how varied and rich this continent's past and present are. Through handling African currencies and investigating their materials and designs - from coins to cowrie shells, cloth to copper ingots - learn about African money, trade, history and national identity. Curriculum links: Art and Design, History, Geography, Citizenship, Science.

Ancient Greece

Handle ancient Greek coins, find out how they were made, how they were used and who used them. Read ancient Greek, work out what the designs on the coins mean, what they can tell us about ancient Greece and how they compare with the coins we use today. Curriculum links: History, English, Art and Design, Science, Citizenship.

Medieval and Tudor England

Find out about Medieval and Tudor England by handling real coins from the period. Learn about how coins fitted into everyday life and whether everyone in England used them. Discover how coins were made, why certain designs were chosen, and what they can tell us about the kings and queens of the period. Curriculum links: History, Citizenship, Art and Design.

Roman Britain

How do we learn about history? In this session groups turn detective to investigate primary evidence. Through handling Roman artefacts and exploring archaeological sites, pupils will learn about the buildings and lives of some of those living in Roman Britain,. Curriculum links: History.

The Victorians

Visit a 'behind the scenes' part of the museum to learn more about Victorian England. Handle real coins from the period, examine their designs, compare them with coins today and explore their use in everyday life. Curriculum links: History, Art and Design, Citizenship.

China

Chinese money has taken a variety of forms, with the first objects that could be called ‘coins’ dating from over 2500 years ago. Come behind the scenes into the Department of Coins and Medals to see and touch Chinese money. Explore its different shapes, sizes and materials, whilst learning about some of China’s past and present money traditions. Curriculum links: History, Maths, Geography, Citizenship, Science.

Bookings for groups of all other ages can often be catered for. Please contact:

lkphillips@britishmuseum.org