
About Unlock the Museum: A Puzzle Adventure
In Unlock the Museum, learners work in teams to crack codes, uncover clues and solve escape-room style challenges inspired by real museum objects.
Guided by our Learning Communicators, pupils will explore different galleries, think critically about what they see, and collaborate to unlock each stage of the adventure.
What will my pupils do in the workshop?
This session takes place in our Learning Centre and across several galleries.
Pupils will:
- Collaborate in small teams to solve a series of linked puzzles
- Investigate museum objects to uncover clues
- Practise communication and collaboration skills.
- Curriculum links
LIT 2-02a LIT 2-09a LIT 2-10a LIT 2-018a
HWB 2-11a HWB 2-23a MNU 2-11a
- Sustainable development goals
4, 8, 9
- Meta skills framework
Self-management: Focusing, Adapting
Social intelligence: Communicating, Feeling, Collaborating, Leading
Innovation: Curiosity, Creativity, Critical thinking
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
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