Learning Sessions at Towneley
Towneley Hall, once the home of the important Towneley family, has been Burnley’s Art Gallery and Museum for more than 120 years.
Our sessions for schools have been developed in collaboration with local teachers and cover a wide range of topics drawing both on the hall itself and the surrounding parkland.
Our staff know that all classes differ in their needs and abilities and are happy to tailor a session to your particular class.
Please note that we have temporarily reduced the number of school sessions on offer whilst the building restoration works take place. However, there is still lots of the Hall, museum and art collection to see. We have prioritised the most popular sessions, but do check back as these may change.
Workshops information
The Tudors at Towneley Hall
KS2 / Half Day / History / Art
The session explores the life of the Towneley family who lived in the hall before and after the Tudor times. Children learn about the fate of John Towneley and dress up.
Life in Ancient Egypt
KS2 / Half Day / History / Art
The children use objects from the collections to find out about the lives of everyday people from ancient Egypt and then they get to mummify one of their classmates.
Looking At Art
KS2 / Half Day / Art / History
Session specially developed for Pennine Lancashire Museums and Schools. This session, developed with a local teacher and artist, encourages the children to study Towneley’s paintings and learn to creatively look at art. Available until end of November 2023.
Toys and Games
KS1 / Half Day / History
The children find themselves looking at toys from the past such as a dolls house and money box before taking part in a role playing activity with the toys.
Houses and Homes
KS1 / Half Day / History
The children explore the hall comparing and contrasting the old house and its contents with their own homes.
Schools Outdoors delivered by Newground Together at Offshoots Community Garden
Combine your workshop at Towneley Hall with one of these sessions delivered by Offshoots to create a full day offer.
Find out about the invertebrates and small animals living in the different habitats in the park including woodland. Collect mini-beasts and learn about the life cycles of the animals, their food chains and the importance of green plants and fungi.
Sessions include: Invertebrate hunt on our Wildlife safari, Shelters and campfire, Tremendous Trees, Plants and Pollinators, Pond dipping and Invertebrates
Cost for Offshoots activities: £140 per 2h session / £210 for 2x 2h sessions. Maximum 30 children.
For more information contact Rachel.street@newground.co.uk
Riverside Workshops delivered by The Ribble Rivers Trust’s Environmental Educators
Using the River Calder and the ponds around the hall, children learn about river systems and water habitats. The activity is for year 4 children and older and requires a six-week lead in period from the booking date.
Sessions include: River Expedition with Freshwater Microsafari, Remarkable Rivers, Habitat Creation and Conservation
More information and prices can be found on the website https://ribbletrust.org.uk/
FAQ’s
- How much are workshops at Towneley Hall?
Charges are £2.50 per pupil per half day workshop - What time do workshops start and finish?
Workshops last for 90 minutes. Morning sessions are 10am-11.30pm, afternoon sessions 12.30pm-2pm - Is there a facility for lunches?
Towneley Hall has a space which can accommodate a class for lunches, please ask for this to be booked when contacting us - Is there coach parking at Towneley Hall?
Please see our coach guidelines which can be downloaded here - Is there a risk assessment for visiting Towneley Hall?
Please see the risk assessment for our workshops here - Can school groups use the school grounds on their lunch break while they are visiting?
Yes, school groups can use the grounds of the park, however schools are advised to do their own risk assessment as Towneley Hall does not provide this
