Free school visits
Our museum covers many topics areas that will support your teaching from the Romans and Ancient Egyptians to early trades and changing exhibitions. Your class is always welcome to come for a free unfacilitated visit, all we ask is that you let us know in advance so we know to expect you.
Heritage workshops
Heritage workshops are fun, educational, interactive, curriculum-based sessions, which help bring history to life. From the Roman Bathhouse, Ancient Egypt and right down to the mines, there are a wide range of workshops available.
Arts Awards at the Museum
Why not complete the Arts Awards at the museum with our unique logbook and artwork done by the children in class? The Arts Award inspires young people to grow their arts and leadership talents: it's creative, valuable and accessible. The museum is an accredited organisation offering Discover and Explore Arts Awards, the first two of five national levels. We offer the logbooks free of charge for classes who complete the award at the museum. Please note assessment charges apply.
Schools workshops
The museum offers a wide range of curriculum based workshops such as 'The Roman Bathhouse' and 'Don't Go Down the Mine'. These workshops are an interactive, fun way to add value and enrich your teaching. All our workshops have a link with the local borough and contain original resources to bring history to life.
These sessions offer excellent value for money and are available for booking either in-school or at the museum. Your school can buy into the Schools Cultural Service for a range of workshops, museum loans, project loans, class sets and advice visits. Or simply book a one off session at the museum or in your school.
Classroom resources
Our Archives and Local Studies department contains historical resources suitable for your classroom. Our expert staff offer advice on lesson planning and which records might be suitable for your subject, whether local history or national events.
We can supply copies of documents or photographs digitally for use on smart-boards or tablet computers.
Get hands on with tours of the archives and a local history handling session facilitated by our professional staff.
Digital teaching resources
We have adapted one of our popular curriculum based workshops, 'Your Identity', into a digital activity. The activity is designed for use in the classroom or as a resource for parents and carers to access at home.
A free location-specific 'Your Identity' resource is available for each of the following areas: Ashton, Atherton, Golborne, Hindley, Ince, Leigh, Lowton, Platt Bridge, Shevington, Standish, Tyldesley, Wigan.
To request a copy of any of the packs, you will need to:
- Email heritage@wigan.gov.uk and include your name, contact email and telephone and, if applicable, your school or organisation.
Once we have received your email we will send out the document as a PDF. To give you a flavour of the material in the resource, you can view our 'Your Identity' pack for Wigan.