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  • 01983 882204 | info@iwsteamrailway.co.uk

School Visits

A warm welcome to schools

As a living, breathing, working museum, the Steam Railway is a popular and fascinating destination for all age groups. Beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, often hauled by 19th century locomotives, take the students on a leisurely 10 mile journey through the Island’s unspoilt countryside.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a registered educational charity and it is our intention to provide an excellent learning experience for your students, in line with the National Curriculum, and in partnership with local teachers.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway can cater for school groups from Reception up to Key Stage 5 and is led by our Heritage and Learning Manager Sarah Girling, a qualified teacher and experienced cultural education specialist. Sarah heads a team of volunteer School Guides to assist with your school visit.

On arrival you will be welcomed at the Booking Office entrance by Sarah, for a brief introduction and orientation of our Heritage Railway. You can book:

  • A guided tour of Havenstreet Station, including our interactive Discovery Centre Train Story, with a 1 hour train ride aboard our lovingly restored Edwardian carriages, often hauled by 19th century locomotives.
  • A self-guided tour of Havenstreet Station, including our interactive Discovery Centre Train Story. Educational resources can be provided to support your visit.
  • A 90 minute workshop. You can enrich your visit with an inspirational workshop led by our Heritage and Learning Manager, handling real artefacts, exploring local archive documents, all in an immersive, enjoyable environment.
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  • A resource pack will be sent to you with your booking confirmation
  • Train compartments seat up to 10 children and a teacher. An accessible carriage is available
  • Both indoor and outdoor picnic areas are located on site
  • Accompanying teachers and supervising adults FREE
  • Ample coach parking at Havenstreet Station
  • Lunch, drinks and snacks available in our Refreshment Rooms
  • Gift Shop goody bags can be pre-ordered in advance
  • Risk assessments available
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For more information and to book a visit please contact Sarah on 01983 882204 or email: learn@iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Workshop Sessions

THE GARDEN ISLE BY TRAIN (KS1)
A ‘seaside holidays’ workshop, exploring why the Isle of Wight was and still is a tourist destination. Pupils will buy their train tickets to the Island’s seaside stations using real old pennies. As Train Guards, they will organise Passenger Luggage in Advance and ensure carriages are ready for the tourists.

LOCAL STUDY: THE HISTORY OF THE ISLAND RAILWAYS (KS2)
Pupils will learn about the history of the Island’s Railways through an interactive presentation,
taking them from the late 1800s right up to the present day, and through three key
eras; Edwardian/Victorian era, the Golden Age of Seaside holidays (1920s/30s) and then
preservation of steam railways.

BESPOKE WORKSHOPS (KS1 – 5)
We are developing our education sessions for schools. Please get in touch with our
Heritage & Learning Manager if you would like help with a particular topic, e.g. STEM
(STEAM) topics, the Age of Steam, WW1 or WW2.

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