Opening Times

April - September
Monday - Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00

October - March
Monday to Thursday - Closed
Friday to Sunday : 11:00 to 15:30

School and other educational groups by appointment at other times.

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Head of Steam offers a wide range of lifelong learning opportunities – whether you are a school, college, nursery, Sure Start group, holiday club, young person or a member of a community group. Visits to the museum can either be led by your group leader, or we can arrange for a guide to take you on a fascinating tour. Discover the impact that Darlington and it’s people had on the birth of the railways and the impact the railways made on Darlington!

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Most school visits are from Key Stage 1&2 studying local history or the Victorians. We offer regular science, design technology or history workshops – these are relevant to the subject matter of the museum – so looking at Forces and Motion, or WW2 for example. We can also offer creative writing sessions, inspiration for art and design, and are happy to tailor make sessions for specific cross curricular themes. We have loans boxes for you to borrow (Trains, Seaside Holidays, Journeys and Victorian Toys and Games), and supporting resources that you will be able to download from the website. We welcome home educators - please contact the Museum Access Officer to discuss opportunities on offer.

What is the age range of the activities?

Foundation to university

Sample programme of the activities:

Sample programme of the activities: we tend to tailor visits to the requirements of the school.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

Ask for our quiz sheets if on a self led visit. We can provide clipboards and pencils.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

No minimum group size, maximum is 60 children.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Our Hazard identification in the teachers info pack on our website provides guidance for teachers to write their own risk assessment as per DCSF guidance.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

Spaces available indoors and outdoors for schools to bring own lunches – please mention on booking. Shop available to small supervised groups, or can pre book goody bags to given value ( eg £2.00 – will have branded goods such as pen ruler rubber etc)

Is specific clothing required?

No, but we are in an old station building and it can be chilly in winter.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes, but schools should ensure they have their own first aider also.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?Schools may take their own photos for educational purposes.