Learning

Wirksworth Heritage Centre has undergone a complete transformation. We are now recipients of the Sandford Award for Education.

We offer numerous opportunities to learn, discover and be inspired in our award-winning new site. Any of our sessions can be run full day or half day. They take inspiration from the fascinating history of Wirksworth to explore varied aspects of the National Curriculum. Our programme covers all key stages and can be adapted to your school’s individual needs. Please note that many sessions include a guided walk.

Our school visits run from 10:00 am until 2:30pm for a full day session. Our half day sessions run from 10:00am until 12pm or 1:00pm until 3:00pm. For a class of up to 35 children our prices are (including 1 free adult per 10 children). Full day: £175 Half day: £130

Full day sessions include a 30-minute lunch break. Packed lunches can be provided on request.

To book a school visit please contact our Community Learning & Engagement Officer – info@wirksworth heritagecentre.org

Fully Guided Online Sessions

Our educational offer now includes two fully guided online sessions which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your classroom. These hour-long filmed lessons are led by our education team and provide an online alternative to our in-house education offer – with a narrated virtual walk around the historical landscape of Wirksworth, a guided sample of our museum galleries and related activities for your students to complete. The online sessions can be used as often as you like – providing the Wirksworth Heritage Centre experience year after year! £45 per session.

To find out more about the Heritage Centre, schedule a visit or to get a copy of our new Discovery and Learning brochure please contact: info@wirksworthheritagecentre.org.

KS1/KS2

Our varied programme can be tailored to meet the National Curriculum over a wide range of subjects whilst providing an inspirational learning environment for your pupils. Outreach sessions can also be arranged. Example sessions include:

Being a Lead Miner
Ice Age Wirksworth – Home of the Woolly Rhino
Turning Back Time
Under our Feet – Underground Wirksworth
Wirksworth: The Romans were here!
The Home Front in World War Two
Worlds Apart – Rich and Poor in Wirksworth
Saving Wirksworth from the Vikings!

KS3/KS4

Our Secondary programme can be designed to meet the National Curriculum for a variety of subjects. Outreach sessions can also be arranged. Example sessions include:

Wirksworth Words – Industrial Dialect in Derbyshire
What Makes History?
Wirksworth in WW1
Justice at the Barmote Court
Writing Wirksworth

FE & Higher Education

Wirksworth Heritage Centre provides a fascinating learning experience for Further and Higher Education Learners. Students studying Architecture, History, Museums and Heritage or Conservation can explore the realities of working with collections within a listed building. We offer sessions for Sixth Form, Undergraduate and Postgraduate groups, as well as providing opportunities for work experience and placements.

Lifelong Learning

Whatever your age, Wirksworth Heritage Centre provides opportunities to discover and learn. We run a varied programme of evening talks and lectures from experts in a range of fields. See our What’s On page to find out more.

Additional Needs

Wirksworth Heritage Centre is an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout. Our specialist staff and facilities can meet additional needs within all aspects of our learning programme.