Learning & Education

Our Learning Team can offer a variety of facilitated sessions suitable for your group from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4, Higher Education and Special Needs Groups. All resources and facilitated sessions link to the National Curriculum, including links to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Our site provides opportunities for students to learn in a real-life context outside the classroom including the option to visit the nearby Chesterfield Canal if you wish. We also have resources for teacher-led visits and can advise you on any specific needs you may have for your children.

We have a wheelchair lift, ear defenders, sensory bags, and a touch tour and handling collection available.

Discover in a Day Arts Award

Experience an unforgettable Educational Visit with our Discover in A Day Arts Award!

We firmly believe that learning should be an adventure and that’s exactly what we want to offer to your students.

Our tailored sessions are delivered through our Discover in A Day Arts Award. Providing the perfect blend of inspiration, learning and fun. Each session is carefully designed to infuse art and creativity into the exploration of the museum and the topics of your choice. Our approach ensures your students not only have an inspiring learning experience but have a blast throughout the journey.

Flexibility is at the core of our approach. We know that every school is different, and that is why we offer you the freedom to select from an array of topics or to customize a session to match your specific goals.

Whether it’s TRANSPORT, GEORGE STEPHENSON, INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, LOCAL or SOCIAL HISTORY that has inspired you to visit our website, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Alternatively, you can simply choose from the themes listed below.

The Story of the Roundhouse
Embark on a captivating journey through the history of the Engine Shed.

Full Steam Ahead
Discover how steam engines work and explore the evolution from steam to diesel engines.

Just the Job
Explore how the roles of railway workers changed throughout history, alongside advancements in engineering and innovation.

People of the Industrial Revolution
Delve into the stories of visionaries like Stephenson with his Rocket steam engine and Richard Barrow with the creation of Barrow Hill. Discover their remarkable impact on our local area, the nation and the world.

Village Life
Step into the past, as you investigate the purpose of the Roundhouse and unlock personal stories and roles undertaken by Barrow Hill residents throughout time.

Please see our Learning Brochure for Curriculum Links documents for each key stage and for a list of activities for you to choose from

Why the Arts Award?

Unleash creativity and imagination – Our Discover in a Day Arts Award is a celebration of creativity in all its forms. It highlights that art surrounds us every day. It is everywhere! From invention, design and engineering through to paintings, models and music. Students will unleash their imagination and start to look at the world around them through new eyes.

A lasting memento – Each student will receive a beautiful workbook to showcase their masterpieces and provide a tangible memory of their visit with us. The workbook allows for pre- and post-visit activities whether in school time or at home. We hope this keepsake will be a source of pride and achievement to share with their families.

Celebrate achievement – Recognition of effort and achievement is an important part of a positive learning experience. Upon completion of the day, each student will be presented with a prestigious Certificate of Achievement, acknowledging their work. This aims to boost their confidence, pride and passion for learning.

Arts Award is a suite of arts-based qualifications for young people managed by Trinity College London and in association with Arts Council England. Pupils can go on to gain Explore, Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Please see the Arts Award website for more details: www.artsaward.org.uk

Meet the Team

Natalie and Donna will be your guides, supporting you from enquiry to your welcome and session facilitation, ensuring a valuable and enjoyable learning experience during your visit.

Our educational visits are truly exceptional, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our learning volunteers. With a lifetime of experience on the railways, they will enrich your students’ understanding through insightful foot plate tours, steam demonstrations, track layouts, guards van tours and turntable tours. Our volunteers and Learning Team will provide an inspiring and unforgettable day for your school.

KS3+ & Higher Education

Facilitated Sessions

STEM Learning

If you would like to use the site as a base for scientific enquiry, particularly around engineering, we would be happy to facilitate this and provide you with relevant activities. Please get in touch for more information.

History

Come to the Roundhouse for a day of study including a tour and interactive workshop, followed by a depth study linked to one of the British areas of history. We will provide you with both primary and secondary sources relating to the site.

If you have any questions about your trip, please do not hesitate to contact our Learning Team