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Learning - School Educational Visits

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Our Learning Team has well trained staff, with lots of experience supporting the needs of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools during their visits.

Prior to your visit the team will discuss your specific requirements, and design a bespoke day to support students and staff to get the best out of their day at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Learning - School Educational Visits

included in your visit:

  • A bespoke itinerary linking curriculum topics or particular areas of interest.
  • A flexible timetable, that can be adapted, as required, throughout the day, with the ability to adjust lunches, breaks and arrival, departure times.
  • Additional resources, including visual timetables and accessibility maps.
  • A rich learning programme of activities adapted to suit the needs of the students.
  • Specialist equipment, including Sensory Packs, Changing Places and Accessible toilets.
  • Knowledgeable, experienced staff to deliver activities and to guide your students and staff across the site.
  • Complimentary pre-visit to The Historic Dockyard Chatham to familiarise yourself with the site, and to carry out any of your own risk assessments.

We understand that things don’t always go to plan on the day, so the Learning Team are happy to adjust the schedule as much as possible to ensure your students and staff have the most enjoyable and stress-free day.

Quieter Spaces on Site

Although the Dockyard is a busy multi-use site with a visitor attraction, museum, businesses, and residents, there are quieter spaces available for use during your visit.

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful outdoor areas, such as Commissioner’s Garden and the AQHM picnic area. Please check availability at the time of booking or consult with staff upon arrival.

accessibility

There is a Changing Places facility is available in the Fitted Rigging House, to the rear of the Steam, Steel and Submarines gallery. Please speak to a staff member to gain access.

BSL captions are available in the following locations:

  • The Ropewalk (introduction display)
  • Command of the Oceans Gallery (prior to entering the Namur timbers)

There are Hearing Loop Systems available at Front of House on arrival and within the Ropery Gallery.

Sensory Support Backpacks

Our Sensory Support Backpacks are designed to help those with special educational needs make the most of their day at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

The complimentary backpacks are filled with resources to help make your visit a little bit easier. Families or individuals can pick one up when you arrive, simply head to Plan Your Visit.

All we ask, is the backpack is returned either at the end of your visit or during your day when you no longer feel that it is needed. The backpacks are available to borrow on a first-come basis.

Learning Activities

Here are some learning activities which you may wish to include as part of your visit…

Rocket Launching

Ready, aim fire

Taking their inspiration from the Sea Cat missiles on board HMS CAVALIER, The Historic Dockyard’s own Destroyer, your pupils will work in teams to create rockets and fire them from our specially designed air pressure launcher, aiming to hit a target. Which team will sink the battleship?

Curriculum links: KS1: Science (Forces, Working Scientifically), Maths (Geometry)

Swashbuckling Adventure

Pirates Ahoy!

Board our historic sailing ship, HMS GANNET, to meet our resident pirate and experience the life of a swashbuckler first-hand. Dressing up, singing, playing percussion instruments and storytelling will fire your pupils’ imagination. Make your own pieces of eight to take back to class as souvenirs of your pirate adventure.

Curriculum links: EYFS: C&L, PD, PS & E KS1: English (Spoken Language), Reading (Comprehension), History, Music

Victorian Heroine

Grace Darling

Experiencing the highlights of the largest collection of RNLI Historic lifeboats in the country, pupils will re-enact the inspirational story of Grace Darling in the atmospheric lifeboat station (weather permitting). Using costume, props and sound effects, they will bring this Victorian heroine’s story to life.

Curriculum links: EYFS C&L, PS&E, UTW KS1: History – Significant Individuals, English (Spoken Language, Reading (Comprehension), Art.

Arts Award

Complete an Arts Award with us, the nationally recognised qualification supplied by Trinity College London. Students can complete Discover in a day during the visit. Extended projects can include Explore, or Bronze Arts Awards for older students.

Sensory Walks and Art - Arts Award

Sensory Walks and Art

Participants engage in outdoor sketching and painting activities inspired by maritime art and painters like Turner.

Discover Level: Create abstract paintings using ink-wash techniques.

Explorer Level: Learn about color theory and create a watercolor response to a photograph of their favorite corner of the Dockyard.

Bronze Level: Learn ink wash techniques and create an ink painting of a modern war at sea or any sea-related topic.

Salute to the '40s

Performance

Discover Level: Channel your creativity through improvisation, embodying characters inspired by maritime tales.

Explore Level: Craft a short script that transports audiences to the high seas, exploring the trials and triumphs of maritime adventurers.

Bronze Level: Take the stage creating a short play that brings maritime history to life through storytelling and performances.

Disability Trailblazers

Disability Trailblazers showcases disability history at the Historic Dockyard. Follow the trail around the Dockyard and uncover the hidden lives of disabled people through time.

This trail is part of Curating for Change, an initiative funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered in partnership with Accentuate and Screen South, providing opportunities for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, to pursue a curatorial career in Museums.