Education workshops

Penlee House Gallery and Museum offers a varied and exciting programme of workshops for schools and groups of all ages and abilities, linked to the National Curriculum. We also offer outreach sessions if you are not able to come to the gallery. 

All of our workshops and outreach sessions are FREE.

If you are studying a particular topic that is not listed here, please contact the Education and Outreach Officer to discuss any special requirements you may have, and we will do our best to help.

All sessions need to be pre-booked, by telephoning or emailing the Gallery. Because of the small size of the galleries, we are unable to take groups bigger than 30 children at any one time, but if your group is larger, we can arrange to split times or book more than one workshop.

Early Years Storytelling

Explore the paintings of the Newlyn artists through traditional storytelling and music making. For Foundation and Key Stage 1 children, ages 3-7 years.

To download our  information about these workshops, click here

Old Toys

This hands-on workshop allows children to explore and play with toys from the past. See old toys from Penlee's collections and use our handling collection of replica Victorian and later toys to explore differences between new and old. For Foundation and Key Stage 1 children, ages 3-7

To download our information about this workshop, click here

Betsy Lanyon - Life in Newlyn

Travel back in time to 1890 and meet Betsy Lanyon, a Newlyn fishwife and artist's model. Learn about her life and work, and handle real Victorian objects in a 'museum detective' activity. Spot Betsy in the Newlyn School paintings, have a go at sketching her and learn some words in the Cornish language. For Key Stage 1 and 2.

Ideal for studying the 'Sense of Place' unit, for Victorian studies and art.

To download our information about this workshop, click here

Iron Age Mysteries

Penlee House is not just about paintings! Our archaeology collection is ideal for studying the long distant past in the Penwith district.

Our Iron Age Mysteries workshop incorporates storytelling, practical 'make and take' activities, and the chance to be archaeologists and take part in a 'dig'.

Ideal for studying 'Invaders and Settlers' and for investigating materials and pattern. For Key Stage 2.

To download our information sheet about this workshop, click here

School is Out!

Using the painting 'School is Out' by Elizabeth Armstrong as a starting point, explore the life of a Victorian school child through storytelling and role play. Using objects and costume, children can have a taste of a Victorian school day, and teachers can get involved too!

Ideal for studying life for children in Victorian Britain, and follow up activities are available to encourage creative writing skills. For Key Stage 1 and 2.

To download our information sheet about this workshop, click here

Art workshops

In addition to our Schools programme, Penlee House runs workshops for children and adults during holiday periods.  For more information, see the 'What's On - Events' page or telephone the Gallery. 

Science Club

A FREE Monthly Science Club for 7-11 year olds!

Once a month on Saturdays, 10.30am-12.00pm at Penlee Coach House, Penlee Park.

Earn your CREST Superstar Award by working with others on hands-on science activities, thinking and talking about science and sharing your ideas.

FREE but booking essential - contact Penlee House Gallery and Museum on 01736 363625.

In association with Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.