We strive for high quality creative encounters that encourage the nurturing of an innate curiosity in children and young people. The programme provides experiences that extend the enjoyment of the arts and children’s creative possibilities beyond the traditional classroom setting.
MK Gallery’s Learning Programme aims to support and complement the National Curriculum whilst promoting the importance of cultural learning among children and young people. We deliver a diverse range of fun, experimental and challenging learning activities for pupils of all ages. School trips can be booked Wednesday to Friday.
All group visits, including self-guided visits, must be booked in advance. For further information and to enquire about booking contact MK Gallery’s Learning Team on 01908 676900.
Booking form
Schools, Post 16 & Groups – Booking enquiry form
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Scout About Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: £105 per class (Max 32) or £75 when booking 2 or more classes.
A one hour guided tour through our exhibition with a Learning Scout. Our Learning Scouts create bespoke tours for each exhibition and tailor them to your groups key stage. Each tour provides opportunities for groups to engage with the exhibition through activities in the galleries next to the work in meaningful ways. Tours provide groups with provocation for interesting discussions as well as delivering information about the artist/s and their practice.
Enquiring Minds
Duration: 2.5 hours
(can be shared between two classes)
Cost: £220
A studio session with a MK Gallery Associate Artist that can be designed to reflect the work of our current exhibition, an artist or theme you are studying yourself or to fit a topic that you are working on. Every workshop is delivered by a professional artist who can discuss technique, process and their own practice. Each session is designed specifically to meet your group’s needs through consultation provided by our Producer of Public Programmes for Children and Young People.
Explore MK Gallery Tour
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: £30 per class (max 32)
A whistle stop tour of the design features of MK Gallery that make it a living celebration of Milton Keynes through the last 50 years. Our Explore MK Gallery Tours are a engaging tour of the building including some areas closed to the general public. Resources are provided to encourage children and young people to find and discuss objects, colours and images. Along the tour your group will use our sites themes and unique design features to find out more about the history and original design of Milton Keynes.
Self-Guided Tour
Independently explore the exhibition with your class.
Trip leaders can also request:
- Free pre-visit for the trip leader
- Consultation with the learning team
- Curriculum themed guide for the exhibition.
Cinema
MK Gallery has a range of films that can be booked for school groups to benefit your curriculum. We have a wide selection of films in our system but are happy to discuss options. Along with films, MK Gallery hosts a selection of National Theatre screenings year round. Please email learning@mkgallery.org to find out how our cinema can support your curriculum.
Contact the learning team
Email
Why the arts matter in education
The arts are a crucial part of a broad and balanced curriculum – they equip children with the creativity and innovation needed for 21st century employment, and with essential life skills such as collaboration, communication and problem solving. Reports show that studying the arts can raise attainment in Maths and English and employers are calling for a workforce with both scientific and creative skills. (CLA, 2017)
Participation in the arts develops children’s confidence in their ability to think, question, explore, and contribute to the world around them. They give children a creative outlet to explore and express emotion and can reduce stress, improve wellbeing, raise self-esteem and develop social skills. Studies and research have found that children who regularly take part in arts activities are more resilient, healthier and do better in school. (CLA, 2017).
