Our museums and galleries house fascinating collections, from living bugs to The Beatles, fine art to photography, the Titanic to ancient Egypt.
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Our museums and galleries house fascinating collections, from living bugs to The Beatles, fine art to photography, the Titanic to ancient Egypt.
Find Your Talent
Dancing at Young DaDa
The following venues offer sessions for Key Stage 3 students. Follow a link to see their offer.
The Bluecoat | Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres | FACT | International Slavery Museum | Lady Lever Art Gallery| Merseyside Maritime Museum | Royal Liverpool Philharmonic | Sudley House | Tate Liverpool | Walker Art Gallery | World Museum | Unity Theatre
Find Your Talent specific programmes are stamped with this FYT logo. All other programmes are open to all schools in the region.
Reclaim Your Space consists of two specific strands, both aimed at increasing children and young people’s visibility in cultural venues but also within their everyday spaces, such as their school buildings.
Strand 1: An exciting, dedicated exhibition programme for children and young people across the LARC venues. A community exhibition
programme designed and created by young people, celebrating their culture and showcasing their work across multiple art forms.
Strand 2: An opportunity for primary school’s to dress their favourite place in the school building, and create their own cultural hub. Children themselves work with an artist to take charge of decorating their own school hall, foyer or classroom. Strand 2 may also incorporate the chance for children to visit National Museums Liverpool venues.
Contact your local FYT Coordinator for more details.
Please see individual programmes for contact details.
Explore at the Bluecoat offers a guided tour followed by teacher-guided activities with resources and materials provided. Activities could include listening and responding to what we hear, exploring the vocabulary of art work, looking at colour, exploring building materials, investigating different ways of thinking, using the building for numeracy, comprehension and creativity. A story box of props and costumes is available as well support with planning your visit.
Dates: from September 2009
Cost: £30 for a full or half day.
Contact: Laura Edwards on 0151 702 7761 or email laura.e@thebluecoat.org.uk
The Bluecoat, Liverpool city centre's oldest building, provides a unique window into different historical worlds. This programme consists of a guided tour of the Bluecoat followed by teacher-guided activities with resources and materials provided. Lesson plans available in advance.
Create your visit from themes using interactive tours, costumes, props, sound and lighting to bring it to life. Themes include: Art and history, Social history, World War II, Myths and Enchantment, Hopes and Dreams
Dates: from September 2009
Cost: Some subsidised visits supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, on a first-come-first-served basis. £75 half day, £145 full day. Full price from £185 for a half day.
Contact: Laura Pilgrim on 0151 702 7761 or email laura.pilgrim@thebluecoat.org.uk
Liverpool Reads is an annual programme run by the Reader Organisation which aims to use reading as social glue, binding communities together by reading the same book. It also encourages conversations about books in school and in family settings.
The book for 2009/10 is The Savage, a short graphic novel by David Almond (author) and Dave McKean (illustrator). It is a brilliantly crafted book about how a boy deals with grief and being bullied and shows how writing helps him to personify the savage within him in a creative rather than a destructive way. It is highly resonant but simply presented in an accessible reading style and with evocative illustrations.
The Bluecoat and the Reader Organisation provide a resource for schools designed by teachers for teachers. Three CPD events in October will launch the programme in each of the three Find Your Talent areas, accompanied by a limited number of free class sets of The Savage and a 'Meet the Author' event aimed at pupils.
Dates: from October 2009 to March 2010.
Contact: Laura Edwards on 0151 702 7761 or email laura.e@thebluecoat.org.uk
Shine with the Bluecoat will find and nurture young talent across different art forms. For autumn 2009 the focus is dance when the Bluecoat will work with MDI (Merseyside Dance Initiative) to deliver high quality dance workshops across the Find Your Talent area. Workshops can be delivered during lesson time or as part of an after school activity.
After the workshops, about 10-15 young people will be invited to attend a master class at the Bluecoat in Spring 2010. The class will give them the opportunity to work with a professional dance company for a whole weekend. They will create a short piece of dance for the international LEAP festival. This will be performed at the Bluecoat for an audience of family, friends and the public.
Shine will provide an ongoing monthly opportunity for those involved in the master class. We will develop a programme that interests them, including working with professional dancers, attending dance performances and exploring new dance genres.
Dates: Workshops in autumn term, master class in spring term 2010
Costs: Free (including travel support for young people accessing the masterclass.
Contact: Laura Pilgrim on 0151 702 7761 or email laura.p@thebluecoat.org.uk
One of the Bluecoat's creative industry practitioners will lead you through a creative workshop but not in person... on film! Young people will access the skills and knowledge of creative practitioners through short film-based workshops in school or as part of a visit to the Bluecoat. We are looking for teachers and pupils to take part in detailed evaluation of this approach as it is a new and experimental idea.
Dates: Autumn term.
Availability: for 6 groups of young people (two from each of the FYT areas)
Cost: free but schools coming to the Bluecoat will need to cover the cost of transport.
Contact: Laura Edwards on 0151 702 7761 or laura.e@thebluecoat.org.uk
For further information on programmes and to arrange a booking pleaser contact Angela Cowan at FACT on 0151 707 4444, or email angela.cowan@fact.co.uk or visit the FACT website.
National Schools Film Week brings film to thousands of children across the UK. Knowledge and understanding of social and political are themes apparent throughout the National Curriculum. This year's films focus on Creativity and Diversity, and throw a spotlight on the broader issues of Citizenship, addressing some hard-hitting issues. Film Week offers a series of screenings followed by a Questions and Answers session and debate.
For more information see National Schools Film Week.
Tickets are issued on a strictly first come, first served basis. From Monday 1st September.
FACT offers a range of exhibition tours and interpretation activities for school groups, as well as related creative workshops and CPD for Teachers. Tours and activities can be adapted to link to all aspects of the curriculum.
Book a FREE group tour for students to experience the exhibitions at FACT. Learning more about the themes and issues in the work, students can work with an accompanying activity sheet to respond and question key artists works. Join Learning and Education staff from FACT. Relate current exhibitions to artists and activities on offer for schools and teachers. Includes skills workshops, lectures and CPD. For teachers of all subject areas.
For more info on all workshops and performances, contact: Andrea Beed, Education Coordinator 0151 706 9111 or a.beed@everymanplayhouse.com
Roald Dahl's classic 'The BFG' has enchanted young minds for more than twenty-five years. This new stage show by Royal & Derngate, presented by Fiery Light, promises to entertain, astonish and inspire audiences of all ages.
A theatre performance at the Playhouse is followed by a creative craft workshop on the themes of The BFG. The post-show craft workshop will allow pupils to create their own artwork in response to the production which will form a display in the Playhouse. The activity encourages the exploring and development of ideas, of investigating and making art, craft and design plus explores the themes of knowledge, understanding and citizenship.
Date: 4 November, 10.30am-1.30pm.
Cost: £150 per group (15-30 students) Ticket Prices: £9-17. Discounts and Group Tickets available.
Kes is the heartbreaking story of a working class boy struggling to find meaning and purpose in his unhappy existence. Training and caring for a kestrel becomes his solitary means of fleeing his gloomy surroundings and letting his spirit soar.
We will be offering a group workshop in the Playhouse Auditorium led by the director and cast of the production. Students will explore the performance techniques and professional practice that enabled them to create this full-scale production. Aimed at KS3 and KS4 English, A level: English, Drama, Performance and Theatre Studies. GCSE: English and Drama. BTEC: Performing Arts, Creative Media Diploma. The workshop supports development of Speaking and Listening Skills as well as Cultural and Critical Understanding.
Date: 1 October (tbc)10.30am-12.15pm
Cost: £1.50 per student (with a theatre ticket). Ticket Prices: £9-20 Discounts and Group Tickets available.
Students will work with a local artist to create their own pieces of art which reflect their own emotional responses to some of the key themes in Kes. Art pieces will be exhibited in the Playhouse for the entire production period; students will also be invited to discuss their artwork at a specialist pre-show event.
Date: From September onwards
Cost: £150 per group (15-30 students)
In this forum-theatre style workshop students will explore themes of the play and be challenged to highlight and find solutions to some of the most prevalent issues in their lives today. The workshop will explore truancy, vandalism, anti-social behaviour and the causes of bullying.
Date: From September onwards
Cost: £150 per group (15-30 students)
This poetry competition is open to all KS3-KS5 students. We are encouraging pupils to submit their own poetry inspired by the production of Kes. All poems submitted will be presented in a uniquely designed book which will be available to all participating schools.
Date: 18 September - 2 October
Cost: Free
Question and Answer sessions with members of the cast
The BFG: 5 November (post 1.30pm matinee) at the Playhouse
The Caretaker: 12 October (post 7.30pm performance) at the Everyman.
Kes: 28 September (post 7.30pm performance) at the Playhouse.
The sessions link to KS2 and KS3, also A level: English, Drama, Performance and Theatre Studies. GCSE: English and Drama. BTEC: Performing Arts. Creative Media Diploma. Speaking and Listening Skills. Cultural and Critical Understanding. Creativity. Citizenship.
For post-show discussions only, contact the Box Office on 0151 709 4776 to book for the performance which has a free post-show discussion.
Costs: included in the show ticket price.
The Caretaker is one of Pinter's most critically acclaimed plays; it is a tragic and compelling comedy which addresses family relationships, fantasy, truth and the distance between the two. We meet three unlikely characters - two brothers and a drifter - and are quickly drawn into a world of twisted reality, manipulation and lies.
We will be offering group workshops led by theatre professionals in the Everyman Auditorium. These will explore how the play moves from Page to Stage, offering a chance to see how The Caretaker has been brought to life for the stage, and illuminating some of the challenges and delights of performing work of the late Harold Pinter. Aimed at KS4 English this workshop enhances speaking and listening skills, and supports GCSE: English and Drama, A Level: English, Drama, Performance and Theatre Studies.
Date: 15 October, 10.30am -12noon.
Cost: £1.50 per student (with a theatre ticket) Ticket Prices: £9-17 Discounts and Group Tickets available.
Visit our website for further information.
The museum-led sessions linked to the International Slavery Museum are very popular. It is essential that you make your booking as early as possible. Do please contact us as soon as you can. All our sessions are FREE. For more info or to book a session contact Emma Birtles on 0151 478 4441.
A talk and handling session with objects, costumes and music representing the themes of African culture and the transition into slavery. (History, Citizenship, ESOL)
A performance and workshop, based on the true story of William and Ellen Craft and their journey from enslavement to freedom. The performance is followed by a workshop exploring the issues raised in it. (History, Citizenship, Drama)
Explore the museum and film a short documentary recording fact and opinion. The final edited DVD will be sent to schools. Prior knowledge of the transatlantic slave trade is essential. Teaching packs available. (English, History, Citizenship, Drama)
A performance and workshop based on the inspiring story of Diane Nash and her involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only. (History, Citizenship, Drama)
Explore the influence of traditional African dance on contemporary styles such as jazz and salsa. (English, History, Citizenship, Dance)
Created by enslaved Africans brought to Brazil; Capoeira blends elements of dance, martial arts and music; to create a truly unique art form, which is exciting to watch, but even more fun to play. (Dance)
This session uses instruments to explore traditional African music and its influence upon modern styles, such as R&B and Hip Hop. Students have the opportunity to record a CD, which will then be sent out to school. (Dance)
The Lady Lever Art Gallery houses the collection of soap magnate William Hesketh Lever. The gallery is an intimate in scale, and an ideal place to introduce children and young people to fine art. They can explore a variety of themes including animals, seasons and portraits.
Contact our booking line on 0151 478 4178.
The gallery provides students with first-hand experience of these works rather than relying on images from textbooks or the internet. Focus on the Pre-Raphaelites, classically inspired Victorian artists, 18th century masters or three-dimensional works such as sculpture, Chinese porcelain or Wedgwood to spark the imagination of the students.
Students can sketch in the gallery to record their observations in order to develop work back at school.
Notes are available on request or to download from our website. (History, Art)
Over the years, Merseyside Maritime Museum learning staff have developed considerable knowledge about the galleries and the way they can be used. If you would like to discuss your visit before you come, do please contact us. Contact our booking line on 0151 478 4441.
A hands-on session with objects from the museum's collections. Learn about the role Customs Officers play in protecting endangered species. Visual and aural disability friendly. This session is based on the themes explored in Seized! Revenue and Customs uncovered. (Science, Geography, Citizenship)
Watch some short filmed interviews with a range of different staff from the Museums. Discuss their work, and interview a member of staff. Tour the museum unearthing some of the hidden jobs and feed back to the group. (Leisure, Travel & Tourism, Careers)
From counterfeits to cannabis, discover more about contraband in this handling session. This session is based on the themes explored in Seized! Revenue and Customs uncovered. (Citizenship)
Using role play, pupils learn about the conditions facing emigrants leaving Victorian Liverpool for a new life in America or Australia. (History)
Work with our staff using handling objects representing six different faiths with activities and discussion topics. Artefacts come from the Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, Judaic, Christian and Sikh religions. The session includes the showing of a film about Liverpool places of worship. (Citizenship, RE)
Take a close look at objects that illustrate the issues surrounding addictive substances including legal and illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The session includes discussion, handling objects and activities. This session is based on the themes explored in Seized! Revenue and Customs uncovered. (Literacy, Citizenship, PHSE)
Pupils meet a costumed character and find out about daily life and death in medieval Liverpool. (History)
Learn some of the skills of a Customs Officer and search for smuggled goods on board our interactive ship's cabin. Visual and aural disability friendly. This session is based on the themes explored in Seized! Revenue and Customs uncovered. (Citizenship)
Take the tour of the Piermaster's House and learn how people lived in the 1940s. Look at technology, furniture and clothing, and listen to stories of wartime living. (History, ESOL)
On 6 February 1916, the right to vote was finally granted to women. Hear the fascinating story of the sufragettes' struggle and learn about their activities in Liverpool through performance, mock debate and 'hot-seating'. (History, Citizenship)
A hands-on session with a role-player using maritime objects, learning maritime skills and taking part in a storytelling session. (English, History, ESOL)
Meet our Titanic survivor and get the inside story of the ship and its fate. A role-player talk and interactive session. (History, ESOL)
Explore living conditions of the poor with Liverpool's first medical inspector. The session is led by a role player. (History, Citizenship, PHSE, Drama)
A special government department checks the quality of consumer goods through scientific investigation. Pupils don their white coats for some forensic fun with adulterated materials. This session is based on the themes explored in Seized! Revenue and Customs uncovered. (Citizenship)
For the Live Music Project and Merseyside Sings contact your Find Your Talent Area Coordinator or Sarah Tan, Education Officer, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic on 0151 210 2899, sarah.tan@liverpoolphil.com. For all other programmes see our website, or contact Learning Department on 0151 210 2895 or email learning@liverpoolphil.com
This programme works with secondary schools and music providers to enhance the Key Stage 3 curriculum through a series of fantastic musical experiences for young people. Featuring a live orchestral offer for young people in March 2010. (See below for RLPO Key Stage 3 Live Concerts) at Philharmonic Hall, themed scheme of work for use across the curriculum (themed on Liverpool's Year of Innovation 2010) and in-school projects tailored to the needs of each school across a range of musical genres, this programme is available to all nine secondary schools in the Find Your Talent areas.
Dates:
Costs: Up to £1,500 worth of in-school project activity funded by Find Your Talent, plus limited number of free tickets to live RLPO KS3 orchestral concerts. Transport costs are not included
Tickets on sale 14 September 2009
We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience world class live music during their time at school. Since the 1940s, the Phil has provided a range of concerts for schools as a core part of our artistic programme. This includes inspirational live orchestral concerts at Philharmonic Hall, performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; opportunities for children to participate through singing; themed scheme of work for teachers, designed to enhance delivery of the national curriculum developed annually in partnership with Wirral Children's Services; and INSET training for non-specialist teachers, helping them to develop the confidence to make music with children in school.
Dates: 10 March at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Concerts last approximately one hour.
Costs: £3.50 per pupil. 1 adult ticket free with every 10 pupil tickets booked. Secondary schools participating in the Phil's Find Your Talent Key Stage 3 Music Programme can obtain a limited number of tickets free of charge. Booking opens Monday 14 September.
As part of Liverpool City Council's support for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, young people age 18 and under, learning an instrument and living in the City of Liverpool can access selected Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts for £2 through our 'Young Musician's Pass'. Children and young people living outside of Liverpool can purchase tickets to selected RLPO concerts for £5 on production of appropriate identification. Discounted tickets are subject to availability. Further information is available on request.
This programme will support primary and secondary schools develop singing with children and young people and provide professional development for music coordinators, teachers, teaching assistants, breakfast club practitioners and secondary age young people to develop their confidence as singing leaders. Based on the Sing Up Clusters model (www.singup.org), this programme will be led by Music Services with the Phil and Youth Music, and be delivered in schools and local communities in the Find Your Talent areas. Schools will be encouraged to sign up to the Sing Up website where they can access a range of singing resources. The programme will provide a school songbook resource and performance opportunities for participants from the three Find Your Talent neighbourhoods in summer 2010 to be funded by Sing Up and Youth Music.
Dates: September 2009 to July 2010 (exact schedule to be confirmed by Music Services through consultation with participating schools).
Cost: Funded through Find Your Talent (transport costs not included).
We offer a range of options for school groups to watch the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsing at Philharmonic Hall. This fantastic opportunity to see a world class symphony orchestra at work includes a music making workshop and opportunity to meet members of the RLPO.
Dates: Throughout the year
Costs: from £200 for up to 30 children
We provide a range of workshop opportunities on an individual and series basis, designed to enhance the music curriculum and to introduce children to live music and professional musicians. Workshops are prepared in consultation with teachers to ensure specific learning objectives linked to the curriculum are met. Schools can select their preferred orchestral instruments (subject to availability).
Dates: Throughout the year
Costs: from £230 for up to 30 children
We can provide learning resources to support your visit to Sudley House. You can also book the learning suite from 10am-12.30pm and 1-3pm for activity work or for lunch. For more info or to book contact 0151 478 4178.
George Holt, a wealthy shipping merchant, bought Sudley House in 1883. He decorated the ground floor rooms and collected original paintings to display around the house as you can see them today. (History, Art)
A number of museum led sessions will be available at Sudley House during 2009-10. Please call the bookings line for further information. (History, Art)
Contact: Abigail Christenson, Schools Outreach Curator at Tate Liverpool, on 0151 702 7457 or email abigail.christenson@tate.org.uk
Thirty-minute tours led by our experienced and knowledgeable Information Assistants.
This is Sculpture is the current Tate Collection display and shows an outstanding selection of modern and contemporary sculpture by many famous international and British artists. Chosen by international designers, artists, film makers and performers this display gives a unique viewpoint of some famous and challenging art works. You can choose to focus on an area of the displays, or you can hear about the history of Tate Liverpool and the Albert Dock.
Dates:Term-time Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am-4pm.
Costs: £60 for an auditorium talk (maximum 60 students)
Take an in-depth look at a display or exhibition. An artist will encourage your pupils to develop personal responses, share ideas with their peers and build the critical skills to understand and enjoy modern art, exploring the themes of Visiting a Gallery: Ways of Seeing, Portraiture and Identity, Figure and Movement in Modern Contemporary Art and Investigating Sculpture. We encourage pupils to use notebooks or sketchbooks to support further work in school or college.
Dates: Term time Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am - 4pm
Cost: £50 per workshop (maximum 17 students); £60 from April 2010.
Outreach workshops for both primary and secondary schools offer an in-depth look at a chosen theme, run in conjunction with a current Tate Liverpool display or exhibition. Led by a practising artist, the workshops offer creative and innovative ways of looking at and learning about modern and contemporary art.
These workshops are designed for students with physical, cognitive or sensory difficulties or disabilities. Sessions are led by artists with extensive SEN experience, and are carefully planned and tailored to your specific needs. By engaging in a series of practical and gallery-based activities, students are made to feel welcome, unhurried and inspired. Sessions work best if students are accompanied by several support staff.
We have a range of resource materials to assist in the preparation of a visit to the Walker Art Gallery, or for preparatory or follow-up work. If you would like to discuss your visit with one of our learning staff before you come, do please contact us. Contact our booking line on 0151 478 4178.
Explore the winning paintings from the John Moores Contemporary Painting Exhibition. A resource accompanies the exhibition and is available for you to run your own session.
For further information on all World Museum sessions and to find out about availability and booking please contact our booking line on 0151 478 4393 or visit our Learning pages.
Ecosystems represent one of the most fundamental concepts in ecology, biology and living systems. This is a very basic introduction to a very important topic.
This demonstrator-led session uses handling collections, activities and images. Students are given an overview about what ecosystems are and how they work. They will travel the world looking at various different habitats and will touch on topics such as nutrient cycling and climate systems.
An important part of the session looks at current and topical issues surrounding the environment on Earth and includes a discussion about climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and what effect these issues will have for life on our planet. Students are encouraged to think about how their activities impact on these issues, and how our lives may change in the future as a result of the things we do, or don't do, today. (Science)
Starting with the formation of the Solar System, Planetary Explorers takes us on a journey through our Solar System from the sun to the farthest reaches. It uses computer-generated imagery along with images from various space missions to help us learn more about our local neighbourhood in space.
Moving on from our own Solar System, we find out how other planets outside our Solar System can be discovered by studying the stars they are orbiting. We finish the show by pointing out some of the different star patterns and deep sky objects we can see in our night skies around the year.
Extend your show with Powers of Ten, or Dance of the Night Sky.
Powers of Ten is a ten minute journey from the small, to the very large and back to the very small. Using images of the Solar System, galaxies, cells and atomic nuclei, it helps us understand the effect of multiplying by ten, and the need for expressing very large and very small numbers as a power of ten. It links to topics in maths, biology and physics.
Using music and dance, Dance of the Night Sky tells the Hindu myth of the plough star pattern and the Pleiades globular cluster (also known as the Seven Sisters). This is an eight minute show which links to cultural diversity in citizenship. (Science)
The maximum number we can accommodate in the Planetarium is 62, including all children, adult helpers and teachers.
For further details on how to get involved with the Unity Theatre please contact your Find Your Talent Area Co-ordinator.
The 'To Do Market' is a creative fair offering themed activities delivered through our specially-designed market-style stalls. The market can be adapted to engage various age groups, issues, or themes; or can form part of a larger event where a host venue is open to different participants.
The Market aims to provide opportunities for children and young people to interact with each other, their friends, family and community members whilst engaging in a range of creative activities. Host venues can also input their own ideas and even their own practitioners in order to create a To Do which is especially for them.
The 'To Do Market' will take place at least once in each FYT borough (St Helens, Knowsley, Liverpool). We will deliver one between September and December 2009, one between January and April and one between May and July 2010.
The Market can be adapted to the host organisation or venue's target audiences and thus be suitable for 3-16 year olds, key stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 students, parents, teachers and community groups.
Number of places: we can accommodate larger numbers of children and young people and the event can be run as an open workshop.
Availability: we are looking for interested venues and partners to host a To Do Market, especially in St Helens and Knowsley.