Heroes, History & Hands-On Learning
Take learning beyond the classroom and into our historic building. A group visit to the museum brings history to life through hands-on workshops, costumed characters and exploration of our remarkable Victorian building, along with the objects and stories it holds. This page has everything you need to plan your visit, from choosing the best workshop or theme for your group to practical details on timings, facilities and how to book your visit.
How does it work...
Our workshops and tours run from 10am - 2pm and are priced at £250 per class of up to 35 students, with every additional class on the same day priced at £200. Working in partnership with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, both our 'People Who Help Us' and 'The Great Fire...' workshops receive a £50 discount per class. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available for self-guided visits without a workshop or tour.
Discover what a day at the museum looks like and see our 'a day trip to NESM' itinerary by clicking here.
Our workshops:
Great Fire of London – What Happened?
Discover the story of the Great Fire of London and explore how we know about it today. Through storytelling, role play and hands on activities, pupils investigate how the fire started, why it spread and how people tried to stop it, while learning simple fire safety messages.
KS1NOT DONEHistoryPSHE
People Who Help Us: The Emergency Services
Discover the important people who help keep us safe every day. Through role play, dressing up and interactive activities, children learn about the Fire and Rescue Service, Police, Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard while building confidence about what to do in an emergency.
EYFSNOT DONEEYFS
Children During the Second World War
Discover what life was like for children during the Second World War. Through evacuation, gas masks, rationing and local wartime stories, pupils explore how everyday life changed during the conflict and compare the experiences of wartime children with their own lives today.
KS3NOT DONECitizenshipHistoryPSHE
Sheffield Blitz
This KS3 history workshop explores the impact of the Sheffield Blitz and what life was like for local people during the Second World War. Using Sheffield’s own wartime story, students will examine how bombing affected the city, how people responded to danger and disruption, and how everyday life changed on…
KS3NOT DONECitizenshipHistory
Victorian Policing
This KS2 history workshop explores what it was like to be a police officer in Victorian Britain and how policing has changed over time. Pupils will discover how officers worked, what equipment they used and what crimes they dealt with, while comparing this with the role of the police today.
KS2NOT DONECitizenshipHistoryPSHEScience
Life as a Victorian Child
Step into Victorian Britain and discover what childhood was really like. Through role play, discussion and practical activities, pupils compare the lives of rich and poor children, explore Victorian jobs, education and healthcare, and discover how childhood changed during one of Britain's most important periods of history.
KS2NOT DONEHistoryPSHE
The Crime of Charles Peace
Using the story of one of Sheffield’s most infamous Victorian criminals, this KS3 local history workshop explores the life and crimes of Charles Peace and what his case can tell us about crime, justice and society in the past.
KS3NOT DONECitizenshipHistory
Crime Scene Investigation
Step into the world of forensic science and explore how modern investigations use scientific methods to solve crime. In this hands-on KS4 workshop, students develop core investigative skills including fingerprint analysis, evidence handling, observation, and logical deduction.
KS4NOT DONEHistoryScience
Great Fire of London – Rebuilding London
Discover how London was transformed after the Great Fire of 1666. Through design, creativity and historical enquiry, pupils explore how architects reimagined the city before creating and constructing their own fire resilient buildings.
KS2KS3NOT DONEArts & DesignDesign & TechnologyHistory
People Who Cared for Us: Florence Nightingale
Meet Florence Nightingale and discover how nursing has changed over time. Through storytelling, role play and practical activities, pupils explore kindness, cleanliness and care while learning why Florence Nightingale remains one of Britain's most influential nurses.
KS1NOT DONEHistoryPSHEScience
