School Visits
To book your school visit please complete the online booking form
Library Sessions
Our class visit sessions are tailored to different age groups to meet their needs and engagement levels. Currently our offer includes sessions for:
- Nursery and Reception: Introduction to the library with stories, songs and rhymes
- Years 1 and 2: An introduction to key library skills and what is available
- Years 3 and 4: A focus on fiction and non-fiction texts, how to find books and information
- Years 5 and 6: Investigating online resources and developing research skills.
All pupils visiting the library are invited to select books to take home to encourage a love of reading and repeat visits to the library. An optional membership form will be provided prior to your visit for parents/guardians to complete.
Gallery Oldham Sessions
We offer both artist and facilitator-led gallery workshops and self-guided visits.
Workshops
The following workshops are two hours long, cost £115 and can be booked on Mondays and Tuesdays in term time:
- What Made Oldham the Biggest Cotton Spinning Town in the World? (KS2) – pupils learn about Oldham’s role in the Industrial Revolution through museum artefacts, original film footage and local archival material.
- Oldhamers at Work (KS2) – pupils explore our exhibitions to discover what jobs people did in Victorian Oldham then create an abstract industrial landscape or a pop-up millscape.
- Oldhamers by the Seaside (KS1 and KS2) – pupils explore Oldham artist Helen Bradley’s painting, ‘A Summer Afternoon on the Sands at Blackpool’, to learn how Oldham people spent their Wakes Week holiday then create a seaside inspired artwork.
- Pattern & Print (KS1 and KS2) – pupils experiment with printmaking techniques to make their own masterpiece based on patterns from our building and exhibitions.
- Ice & Fire Art Inspired Poetry (KS2) – pupils write poetry inspired by three pieces of art which depict Ice and Fire.
- Observing & Classifying Animals (KS1) – using our natural history handling collection, pupils learn to observe, identify and classify animals.
- Classification, Adaptation & Food Chains (KS2) – pupils classify animals using observable features, discover how animals are adapted to their habitats and learn about food chains.
Self Guided Visits
We welcome self-guided visits to Gallery Oldham. These are free but booking is essential.
Your pupils can complete our Oldham Stories Trail in our permanent exhibition in Gallery 1:
We also have a wonderful collection of natural objects and sensory materials available for child-led play. This collection is a result of our project with Kingfisher Special School.
If you would like to book a space for your pupils to explore these resources self-guided, please email librariesandgalleryschools@oldham.gov.uk.
Combined Gallery Oldham/Oldham Library Visit
Spend the day with us by combining a library skills visit and a Gallery Oldham workshop. Just select the Combined Venue option when you complete the booking form.
Booking a visit
If you would like your school to take part in these visits, please complete this booking form on the main Council website.
If you would like to enquire about a visit, please email librariesandgalleryschools@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 4643.
Please do not arrange transport until you have received an email confirming your booking.
Pre-visit information for Gallery visits
Why not introduce your class to Gallery Oldham before they visit with our pre-visit guide? This video is to help children feel familiar and comfortable with the museum space and activities.
We strongly suggest you make a preliminary visit to the gallery to familiarise yourself with the building, its spaces, facilities, and exhibitions, and to conduct your own risk assessment.
Please ensure you read in advance and adhere to our Risk Assessments.
Our Education Team are always happy to meet in advance with teachers to discuss your visit and your needs, offer advice and share ideas about future work. Please email librariesandgalleryschools@oldham.gov.uk to book an appointment.
What to book and bring
If you are visiting with your class for a self-guided visit, we may be able to offer clipboards, pencils and cloakroom facilities for school groups. Only pencils or coloured pencils can be used in the exhibition spaces. Please let us know what you require in advance via email librariesandgalleryschools@oldham.gov.uk.
Your pupils can complete our new Oldham Stories Trail in our permanent exhibition in Gallery 1.
Please note the trail will need to be printed for the class and brought with you. All materials used in school workshops are provided.
Please also bring to the gallery an up-to-date register of your group including children, teaching staff and parents. This will be required in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Bookings can be made in advance and where possible for a lunch space. Food and drink is not permitted in the public gallery spaces.
Photography
If your visit is a trial workshop, part of a project or a special event, and you are able to provide Gallery Oldham with photography consent for your class, you will need to complete a Schools Photo Permission Form.
Please note you may not be able to take your own photos of your pupils in some exhibition spaces due to copyright issues surrounding loaned works on display. Please check with the gallery team if photography is permitted in the areas you wish to photograph. Teachers and pupils are allowed to take photographs in the Education Suite.
Travel
Did you know your class can visit Gallery Oldham using the tram? Your school group can also travel for less with Metrolink’s Kids for a Quid scheme. Book tickets in advance and pay with card or cheque. Please see the flyer below for details.
Kids for a Quid with Gallery Oldham & Metrolink (PDF)
During your visit
Please note the lead teacher is responsible for the class at all times and must not leave the school group without a member of staff from your school for any reason.
Should it be necessary to leave the group during a led session, we ask that you please inform the workshop leader and confirm which member of school staff holds responsibility in your absence.