firstsite's programme for schools engages pupils, students and teachers with firstsite's dynamic artistic programme. We offer events, bespoke activity days and CPD for educational institutions.

Our programme covers Key Stages 1 - 5 and is linked to the National Curriculum.

Group visits

Please note that all visits, including self-led ones, must be booked in advance. Sessions are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10am. Other days / times may be available - please enquire.

Self-led visit

A member of staff will welcome you to the building and the current exhibition on your arrival. You will then conduct your own group tour around the artwork and public spaces.
Cost Free

Directed visit

A member of staff will lead you through the current exhibition and support your use of our Hands-on resource box.
Visit time approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour in total.
Cost £2.50 per pupil; teachers free (min.15 / max. 30 pupils per session)

Artist-led session

A firstsite associate artist leads you through the current exhibition and delivers an art session in our Learning studio. The session may be related to the exhibition, to contemporary art in general, or to the construction of the building, and it may be based around a variety of art / craft forms.
Visit time gallery visit followed by a session of up to 1.5-hours.
Cost £3.50 per pupil; teachers free (min 15 / max 30 pupils per session).

Study session

For groups of older pupils / students. Complete a self-led visit , then access our Learning studio for a self-led session.
Visit time Up to 2 hours in total.
Cost £30 per space hire (up to 30 pupils or students)

Masterclass artist-led session

For students or teachers, with a firstsite artist to lead you through the exhibition and then deliver a bespoke session in our Learning Studio, including discussion and materials.
Visit time Up to 1.5 hours in total.
Cost £6 per participant (min 10 / max 30 people per session).

Please complete the booking form and email to schools@firstsite.uk.net or post to Sue Hogan, Learning Assistant, firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester CO1 1JH.

Alternatively, call Sue on 01206 713 707. Once we have received your booking we will confirm full details fo your visit by email. You are welcome to make a preparatory visit, or to attend one of our teachers' INSET programme events.

Other information

 

Access and Opening times

Full details here

Shop

firstsite's shop stocks a wide range of design-led goods that include pocket-money items for pupils to buy at the end of their visit.

Eating packed lunches

firstsite has outdoor space where, weather permitting, pupils can eat their packed lunches. There is limited bookable space indoors; please contact Sue Hogan on 01206 713 707 to enquire about availability.

Storage for bags and coats

firstsite's Learning studios offer storage space for pupils' belongings. Schools conducting self-led visits should use the cloakroom at the front of the building.

Toilets

Fully accessible toilets throughout the building.

MUSA Café Restaurant

Drinks, snacks and light meals all day.

firstsite off-site

Why not bring firstsite to you? Book a firstsite associate artist to come to your school and deliver a skills-based session, or hire the Art reflecting Citizenship (ArC) suitcases - a fabulous resource for primary schools. Schools can keep the suitcases for up to a fortnight, during which time classes can share the resource between them.

For more information about firstsite opportunities or your visit, email schools@firstsite.uk.net