About Egypt Explorer

How and why were Egyptian objects brought to the museum in Scotland?  

This workshop aims to introduce ancient Egyptian history and culture to pupils while also addressing the colonial histories and legacies of Egyptology. Pupils will look beyond the pharaohs and pyramids and learn more about the people and history of ancient Egypt to gain a richer, more inclusive understanding of ancient Egypt's diverse legacy. 

What will my pupils do in the workshop?

This workshop is delivered by our Learning team in our Ancient Egypt Rediscovered Gallery and in our Learning Centre. 

Pupils will be split into two groups and take part in two activities. 

  • A guided tour of the Ancient Egypt Rediscovered gallery, exploring exhibits and interrogating them for clues about their origin and the stories they reveal 
  • A hands-on enquiry session, where pupils will examine real and replica objects, challenge their assumptions and gain new perspectives on this fascinating historical period. 

By handling objects, exploring exhibits critically, working collaboratively and thinking inquiringly, children will gain a richer, more inclusive understanding of ancient Egypt's diverse legacy. 

Curriculum links

SOC 1-01a    SOC 2-01a 

SOC 1-04a    SOC 2-04a   

LIT 1-02a LIT 2-02a     

LIT 1-10a  LIT 2-10a 

HWB 1-19a HWB 2-19a   

HWB 1-20a HWB 2-20a

Sustainable development goals

4, 10, 11 

Meta skills framework

Self-management: Focusing, Adapting, Integrity

Social intelligence: Communicating, Collaborating, Feeling

Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking

Available dates

February 2025

Mon 3 Feb 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Tue 4 Feb 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Wed 5 Feb 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Thu 6 Feb 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

March 2025

Mon 3 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Tue 4 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Wed 5 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Thu 6 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Mon 24 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (11.45 ONLY)

Tue 25 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Wed 26 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Thu 27 Mar 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

April 2025

Mon 28 Apr 2025 -10:15 and 11:45 (FULLY BOOKED)

Tues 29 Apr 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Wed 30 Apr 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

May 2025

Thu 1 May 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Mon 26 May 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Tue 27 May 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Wed 28 May 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Thu 29 May 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

June 2025

Mon 9 Jun 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Tue 10 Jun 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Wed 11 Jun 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

Thu 12 Jun 2025 -10:15 and 11:45

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 

  1. SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 to qualify for free workshops. 
  2. 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 

  1. Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session. 

Application Process 

  1. Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form. 
  2. Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status. 
  3. 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