Workshops at the Novium

Our interactive, hands-on workshops enable pupils to see and handle real and replica artefacts, try on costume and engage in thought provoking and enjoyable activities.

We now offer City Walks to compliment our workshops: learn more about the history of Chichester by exploring the city with a member of museum staff, looking at the streets and buildings to discover how the city has developed over time.

Workshops are usually two hours long and cost £5.50 per pupil. Walks last 1 hour and cost £3.50 per child. Why not combine a museum workshop with a city walk for just £8 per child?

Our workshops and walks are primarily aimed at KS2 but can be adjusted to different ages and abilities so please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

We can cater for 60 pupils at a time, and a lunch room can be provided (subject to availability, a charge may apply).

Did you know we can bring our workshops to your classroom?

Workshops at The Novium

Dinosaurs (KS1) 90 minutes session for KS1

Explore the life cycle of a hungry hatchling, from egg to fully grown adult, and look at how dinosaur skeletons help them move and survive in their natural habitats. Understand food chains and look at the difference between predator and prey, and pretend to be a dinosaur.  Enjoy bringing the stories of some of the largest land animals to have ever existed to life.  Mainly available on Wednesday mornings, May - November 2024, please enquire as we can be flexible. 

Roman Chichester (KS2)

This interactive session investigates what life in Chichester was like at the time of the Romans. It looks at the importance of the bathhouse, the role of the army and investigates what museum artefacts can tell us about life in Roman times.

Space Explorers (KS1/KS2) 90 minutes session for KS1

Meet the museum's astronaut trainer and discover more about life in space. What was it like for local hero Tim Peake to live and work on the International Space Station? Where do astronauts sleep, where do they get their water from and how do they stay healthy? Learn about some of the equipment they need and what it is like living in microgravity.

The Saxons in Sussex (KS2)

Turn time detective using archaeological drawings from a local Saxon cemetery and artefacts such as jewellery and pottery to piece together the story of life in Sussex during Saxon times. Discover why graves are so important to archaeologists and what they tell us about different members of Saxon society. Pupils can then use this information to recreate a burial, complete with grave goods.

Stone Age to Iron Age (KS2) 

By looking at Preshistoric tools and artefacts, learn about how technology and materials have developed over time, and understand how people lived, ate and the clothes they wore. Find out how archaeologists better understand people from the past by looking at our incredible, nationally important Bronze Age and Iron Age burials.

Changing Chichester (KS1/KS2)

By exploring the many uses of the museum site over the last 2,000 years, pupils will learn about the history of Chichester and the people who have lived in the city in the past. By looking at historical maps, artefacts and photographs, pupils will develop a sense of local chronology and discuss how the city and its people have changed.

Toys and Games (EYFS/KS1) 60/90 minute sessions for EYFS/KS1

Bring your class to meet the museum's toymakers. Find out about old and new toys. including the materials they are made from, how they are used and how toys have changed over the years. Pupils will solve riddles to find toys around the museum and have the opportunity to design their own toy of the future. 

Pirates and Smugglers (EYFS/KS1/KS2) 60/90 minutes sessions for EYFS/KS1

Find out about smuggling and why people chose this life. What was the appeal and what were the consequences if they were caught? Through hands-on activities discover the story of the infamous Hawkhurst Gang - find out about their crimes, the items they smuggled and the fate of some members of the gang.

Second World War (KS2)

Discover more about how the Second World War affected people and businesses in Chichester. Using real and replica objects learn about evacuees, rationing and air raid wardens, and the significant impact the war would have had on people's lives.

Information for teachers

Pre visit

We recommend coming on a pre-visit to the museum where you can meet a member of the team, complete your risk assessments and orientate yourself before your visit.

Parking information

Coach and mini-bus drop off is outside the cathedral on West Street, a 3 minute walk from The Novium.
The nearest mini-bus and coach parking is opposite Westgate Leisure Centre on Via Ravenna in the Waitrose car park, a 15 minute walk from The Novium. Please see the Chichester District Council car parks map (opens new window) for further information.

Recommended adult: child ratio

• KS1&2 - 1:6
• KS3- 1:10

It is important that group leaders remain with their groups at all times as the behaviour and discipline of pupils remain the responsibility of group leaders for the duration of your visit.

Self-led visits

When going around the venue self-guided it is advised to do so in smaller groups (maximum of 10 pupils) led by an adult.
These visits are free of charge for students but do not include use of the Woolstaplers Room or input from the learning team. Please contact the Novium Museum by email on thenovium@chichester.gov.uk or by phone at 01243 775888 to inform us of your planned visit, to ensure you do not clash with other visits.

Facilities

· There are fully accessible toilets on the ground and 2nd floors, as well as toilets on the 1st floor.

· Fully accessible lift

· The route for our City Walks can be adapted for different access requirements, please let us know in advance of your trip

· Gift shop