At Furrowfield School, we recognise the important role that museums play in preserving history, celebrating culture, promoting curiosity and helping young people understand the world around them. In 2025, we launched our annual National Museums Day Curriculum Drop-Down Day, providing every subject area with the opportunity to link learning to a significant museum from somewhere in the world.
The day began with a whole-school assembly that explored the importance of museums as places of learning, remembrance and inspiration. Students were introduced to the Titanic Museum in Belfast and the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York, examining how museums help communities remember significant historical events, preserve evidence from the past and teach future generations valuable lessons.
Throughout the day, every curriculum subject linked learning to a museum or heritage site from around the world. Students engaged in a wide range of activities, investigations and projects that enabled them to explore history, science, art, geography, culture and human achievement through authentic museum collections and exhibitions. This cross-curricular approach promoted enquiry, discussion, reflection and deeper learning whilst demonstrating how museums contribute to education and society.
As part of our commitment to providing meaningful enrichment opportunities, every student at Furrowfield School was given the opportunity to visit a museum. Educational visits included the Life Science Centre, the Great North Museum: Hancock, the Laing Art Gallery, the Beamish Museum, and the Discovery Museum. These experiences allowed students to engage directly with artefacts, exhibitions and interactive learning environments, bringing classroom learning to life and broadening their understanding of the world.
The project strongly reflected the work of Costa and Kallick's Habits of Mind, which underpin the Furrowfield Way. Students were encouraged to be:
- Inquisitive by asking questions and exploring new ideas.
- Reflective when considering the significance of historical events and cultural artefacts.
- Imaginative through creative responses to exhibitions and museum collections.
- Collaborative when working together on research and presentation activities.
- Resilient when tackling challenging questions and developing deeper understanding.
Throughout the International Museum Day, students developed knowledge, curiosity and cultural awareness whilst experiencing the value of lifelong learning. The event supports our ethos of Together We Succeed, ensuring that every student is provided with opportunities to explore the wider world, broaden aspirations and develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for future success.
- The development of cultural capital
- Supporting our SMSC provision
- Promoting British Values
- Promoting personal development.
- Giving opportunities for reading, oracy and communication development
- For enrichment opportunities
- In the preparation for adulthood
- Developing knowledge retention through meaningful curriculum experiences
- Development of the Furrowfield Way and Costa & Kallick's Habits of Mind