
Second World War Explorer
About Second World War Explorer
What was it like to live in Scotland at the time of the Second World War?
Join members of our Learning team to investigate the lives of ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times. Then discover the wider story of Scotland at war in the museum galleries.
What will my pupils do in the workshop?
This workshop is delivered at the National War Museum.
Pupils will be split into two groups and take part in two activities:
- A guided tour, exploring our museum galleries to discover objects from the Second World War
- A hands-on enquiry session in our Wartime Life Room, where pupils will investigate the lives of four people who lived through the war, including an evacuee and a prisoner of war.
Includes free entry into Edinburgh Castle.
Access
Please note the Wartime Life Room is located on the third floor with no lift access. An accessible version is available on request. Email schools@nms.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.
A brilliant trip! Many learning outcomes were met in an engaging way.
P7 teacher, West Lothian
- Curriculum links
SOC 2-01a SOC 2 –02a SOC-2-03a SOC 2-04a SOC 2-06a
LIT 2-02a LIT 2-08a LIT 2-10a
HWB 2-19a
- Sustainable development goals
4, 5, 11, 16
- Meta skills framework
Self-management: Focusing, Adapting, Integrity
Social intelligence: Communicating Collaborating, Feeling
Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking
Workshop breakdown
Please note: Timings are subject to change and are only indicative of the session.
Introduction (5 minutes): Welcome and introduction to the National War Museum. During this time, the class will be split into two groups.
Rotation Activities: (60 minutes total): The two groups will spend 30 minutes doing each activity before swapping.
Activity A: Object Handling: (30 minutes): One group will take part in object handling in our Wartime Life Room.
Activity B: Gallery Safari: (30 minutes): The group will be guided through the National War Museum galleries by a Learning Communicator.
Wrap Up: (5 minutes): The Learning Communicator will summarise what the class have learnt and say goodbye.
Please note: If you are booking an accessible workshop, the workshop breakdown will differ. Please contact schools@nms.ac.uk to discuss.
Available dates
September 2026
Mon 28 Sep 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
October 2026
Mon 5 Oct 2026 - 11:45
Mon 26 Oct 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
November 2026
Mon 2 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 9 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 16 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 23 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 30 Nov 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
December 2026
Mon 7 Dec 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 14 Dec 2026 - 10:15 and 11:45
January 2027
Mon 11 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 18 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 25 Jan 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
February 2027
Mon 1 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 8 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 15 Feb 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
March 2027
Mon 1 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 8 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 15 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 22 Mar 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
April 2027
Mon 26 Apr 2027 - 10:15
May 2027
Mon 10 May 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Mon 17 May 2027 - 10:15 and 11:45
Request a visit
Booking Terms and Conditions
Payment process
- Scottish State schools should raise a Purchase Order through their Local Authority procurement system for the cost of charged sessions. Purchase Order numbers should be notified to schools@nms.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the visit.
- Independent Schools will be invoiced after the visit. Payment terms are 15 days from date of invoice.
Cancellation Policy
- National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.
- Bookings cancelled less than 3 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 50% of the value of chargeable events.
- Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 100% of the value of chargeable events.
- A charge of 100% of the value of booked sessions will apply to no-show or last-minute cancellations.
- In certain circumstances National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee.
- Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.
Free access for SIMD 1&2 schools
National Museums Scotland (NMS) Free Workshop Policy: Terms and Conditions
Eligibility and Access Policy for Free Workshops
As part of our commitment to inclusive education and community engagement, National Museums Scotland (NMS) is pleased to offer 20% of our educational workshops free of charge to schools located in areas designated as SIMD 1 and 2, based on the Scottish Government's Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The following terms and conditions apply:
Eligibility Criteria
- SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 (where at least 60% of pupils are also classified as SIMD 1 or 2) to qualify for free workshops.
- Verification: Eligibility will be verified using the latest SIMD data provided by the Scottish Government. Schools may be required to provide documentation or additional information to confirm their eligibility.
Workshop Availability
- Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools.
- Exclusions: Please note that this offer only applies to workshops delivered by National Museums Scotland staff and excludes special events, study days and special exhibition visits.
- Advance Booking: Schools are encouraged to book early to secure a place, as free workshop slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Waiting List: In the event that all free workshop slots are filled, eligible schools can be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if a slot becomes available.
Terms of Participation
- No Transport Cost Support: NMS does not provide financial support for transport costs. Schools are responsible for arranging and funding their own transportation to and from the museum.
- Cancellations: Schools must notify NMS at least two weeks in advance if they need to cancel a booking. Repeated cancellations without adequate notice may affect future eligibility for free workshops.
- Feedback: Participating schools may be asked to provide feedback on the workshops to help us improve our educational offerings. Participation in feedback activities is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session.
Application Process
- Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form.
- Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status.
- Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with details of their workshop booking.
We are dedicated to making our educational resources accessible to all and look forward to welcoming eligible schools to National Museums Scotland.
By participating in our workshops, schools agree to adhere to the above terms and conditions. NMS reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time.
July 2024
Information for teachers
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