We are open all year for school visits!

Self-led visits to the museum are available all year, priced at £3.00 per student. All visits must be pre-booked. Our learning and engagement team is happy to advise the best itinerary to suit your class. Our specially designed workshops are available with any school visit and are charged at £7 + VAT per student.

What Am I? KS1 & 2

Have you ever wondered what a Museum Curator does? Learn how to investigate and read objects by looking closely, asking questions, and making deductions using objects from the Museum’s collection which includes textiles, musical instruments, and world culture items.

Curriculum Links: History; PSHE.

Museum Safari, KS1 & 2

Explore the Museum’s animal dioramas. See different habitats that Percy experienced and spot some of the incredible animals that he encountered. This session focuses on adaptation, food chains, and habitats.

Curriculum links: Science

Percy’s Travels, KS1 & 2

This is an interactive storytelling session where your group uses objects, drawings, and clues to find out about the real-life travels of Percy Powell-Cotton. Become a detective and use the objects and clues to decide what you think happened when Percy met a lion. Then listen to Percy’s account to see if you were right.

Curriculum links: English; History.

Drawing from Nature, KS1 & KS2

Drawing from Nature brings Art and Science together by looking closely and drawing our collection of animal skulls and bird taxidermy. It’s a fascinating way to compare animals and look at their teeth. This session works well with Museum Safari.

Curriculum links: Art; Science

Adinkra Textile Printing Workshop, KS1 to 4

In this hands-on workshop, learn about the traditional printing techniques of the Adinkra people from Ghana West Africa and the symbols used in their designs. Explore the basics of printmaking using traditional Adinkra Symbols and learn what they represent to create and block print cloth to hang up in the classroom.

Curriculum Links: Art, Printing, Geography, History, Africa Around the world, Maths

Mbitim’s Pottery Workshop, KS1 to 4

In this hands-on workshop, learn about the ceramist Mbitim’s the Zande (South Sudan) Potter and discover how he made beautifully designed coil pots with tools he found in his surroundings.  Children will learn how to use clay and tools to produce original work in the style of Mbitim’s.

Curriculum Links: Art, Pottery, Geography, History, Africa Around the world

Suggested Itinerary

Class size of 30 students
Time                   Class
10:00 – 10:10 Arrival & Introduction to Museum
10:10 – 11:10 Workshop Choice A 
11:10 – 11:30  Break
11:30 – 12:30 Workshop Choice B
12:30 – 13:00 Lunch & Gardens access
13:00 – 13:50 Museum Galleries
13:50 – 14:00 All aboard the coach and goodbyes

How do we book?

You can contact us by email at learning@powell-cottonmuseum.org.

You can telephone us at 01843 842168 and choose option 2 from the menu to talk directly with the learning team.

What kind of visit can we book?

We are delighted to confirm that we are open all year for school visits- both self-led and workshop-based. Visits must be pre-booked.

What time can we visit?

We will arrange timings and itineraries to suit your class. Generally, we are happy to accommodate you between 9.30 am & 3pm however we can be flexible to meet your needs.

Is there a minimum group number?

We have no minimum group size. Itineraries for workshops will be scheduled according to the number of sessions you need.

How many teachers can come on the visit?

School years 1-3, (age 5-7 years) one adult for every six pupils 1:6

School years 4-6, (age 7-11 years) one adult for every 10 to 15 pupils 1:10/15

If you would like to bring additional teachers and helpers, please discuss this with us during the booking process.

Can we have lunch at the museum or bring a picnic?

We are happy for schools to bring a picnic and enjoy the lawns to the back of the museum. We will provisionally book our function room as a back up plan for wet weather, however taking lunch outdoors will be the preferred plan.

Can we visit the gardens?

Yes, your school group can visit the lawns and woodland at the back of the museum. The walled garden will not be accessible. Please note that we now have beehives in the woodland, however they are set back and have been considered in the gardens risk assessment.

Have you got a COVID-19 risk assessment?

All our risk assessments for learning visits have been reviewed in light of the current circumstances. Please contact our learning team directly for more information. We are happy to discuss and amend risk assessments with teachers to ensure a safe and well-planned visit.

Can I make a familiarisation visit?

We are happy for you to pop in for a familiarisation visit. Please get in touch and we will arrange a time and date.

When visiting us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, meet our special guest, Kate from RSPB! Explore Kate’s interactive wildlife display showcasing different habitats and learn all about the fascinating creatures that call them home. Learn about RSPB’s conservation efforts, educational programs, and explore the wonders of local reserves. Join RSPB in protecting our precious wildlife and spreading awareness for a greener, healthier planet!

#Learning #WildlifeConvservation #Easter

@rspb @visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions

When visiting us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, meet our special guest, Kate from RSPB! Explore Kate’s interactive wildlife display showcasing different habitats and learn all about the fascinating creatures that call them home. Learn about RSPB’s conservation efforts, educational programs, and explore the wonders of local reserves. Join RSPB in protecting our precious wildlife and spreading awareness for a greener, healthier planet!

#Learning #WildlifeConvservation #Easter

@rspb @visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions
...

Calling all parents and guardians of under 5s! Join us on Friday 15th March, for the kick-off of our Friendly Fridays in collaboration with Surestart Children’s Centres. Bring your little ones for a day of fun, learning, and laughter, exploring the animal kingdom through stories and play. Discover animals that awake when the sun goes down and follow the trail to see how many nocturnal creatures you can find.
 
#Learning

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Calling all parents and guardians of under 5s! Join us on Friday 15th March, for the kick-off of our Friendly Fridays in collaboration with Surestart Children’s Centres. Bring your little ones for a day of fun, learning, and laughter, exploring the animal kingdom through stories and play. Discover animals that awake when the sun goes down and follow the trail to see how many nocturnal creatures you can find.

#Learning

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you'll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.

#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker 

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you`ll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.

#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

Happy #WorldBookDay! 

From thrilling adventures to heartwarming stories, there's something for every book lover to enjoy in the Museum Shop! Stop by on our upcoming weekend open day to explore the selection of books we have to offer.

#Learning #WorldBookDay #MuseumShop

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Happy #WorldBookDay!

From thrilling adventures to heartwarming stories, there`s something for every book lover to enjoy in the Museum Shop! Stop by on our upcoming weekend open day to explore the selection of books we have to offer.

#Learning #WorldBookDay #MuseumShop

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster. 

Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!

Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April. 

@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions 
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum 
 
The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @DCMS and @ace_national

As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster.

Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!

Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April.

@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum

The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @DCMS and @ace_national
...

Did you know we have a whole bank of free learning resources on the website? Perfect for a #weekendcraft session, head to  the Learning section of our website to download our 'Fabulous Frog Catcher' craft activity today - or choose from a whole host of other fun and fascinating ideas! 

#MuseumMake #Learning #Museumcraft #Weekendcraft #powellcottonmuseum #quexgardens #frogcatcher #craft

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Did you know we have a whole bank of free learning resources on the website? Perfect for a #weekendcraft session, head to the Learning section of our website to download our `Fabulous Frog Catcher` craft activity today - or choose from a whole host of other fun and fascinating ideas!

#MuseumMake #Learning #Museumcraft #Weekendcraft #powellcottonmuseum #quexgardens #frogcatcher #craft

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

Calling all Drum Shakers, Music Makers and Home Educators! 

Bring your little ones along to our next Home Educators Day on Thursday 29 February where they can create their very own musical instrument with us. The Thunder Drum is a percussion instrument that can be used to imitate the rumble of thunder as well as a range of weird and wonderful noises - a perfect project for a crafty and noisy morning of interactive learning!

We’re also bringing out some of our other musical instruments for you to enjoy and as always you'll have the opportunity to explore the museum and gardens.

This event has limited spaces so book your place on our website today.

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

#Learning #visitkent #visitthanet #homeeducatorskent #homedkent #powellcottonmuseum #quexhouseandgardens

Calling all Drum Shakers, Music Makers and Home Educators!

Bring your little ones along to our next Home Educators Day on Thursday 29 February where they can create their very own musical instrument with us. The Thunder Drum is a percussion instrument that can be used to imitate the rumble of thunder as well as a range of weird and wonderful noises - a perfect project for a crafty and noisy morning of interactive learning!

We’re also bringing out some of our other musical instruments for you to enjoy and as always you`ll have the opportunity to explore the museum and gardens.

This event has limited spaces so book your place on our website today.

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

#Learning #visitkent #visitthanet #homeeducatorskent #homedkent #powellcottonmuseum #quexhouseandgardens
...

This Saturday and Sunday, our popular Spring into the Museum event is back again for a second weekend!  Hunt out the spectrum of scents and colours of Spring at the museum using our popular Scavenger Wheel, explore the awakening gardens and join in the Spring-themed interactive activities on offer! 

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions 

#SpringintotheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #ThingstodoinKent #Kenthalfterm #ThingstodoThanet #Learning

This Saturday and Sunday, our popular Spring into the Museum event is back again for a second weekend! Hunt out the spectrum of scents and colours of Spring at the museum using our popular Scavenger Wheel, explore the awakening gardens and join in the Spring-themed interactive activities on offer!

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

#SpringintotheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #ThingstodoinKent #Kenthalfterm #ThingstodoThanet #Learning
...