Digital Schools Sessions FAQs
Our Digital Schools Sessions bring the museum to your classroom.
Our free, live sessions are led by our team of Enablers. For each session, you need to book a ticket to take part which allows you to either watch along live or access the recording afterwards.
General information
How much are sessions?
Sessions are free of charge and are available to UK-based schools only.
Will each session on the topic I’m interested in contain the same content?
Yes, each session will contain the same information. The only variance may be in questions asked by those taking part.
What age/Levels are the sessions suitable for?
Each session is suitable for different age ranges/Levels. Please check the individual session pages for more information.
Are your sessions suitable for children with additional support needs?
Our team strive to make each session as accessible as possible. Please check individual sessions for specifics or get in touch if you have a question about accessibility schools@nms.ac.uk.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions last around 20-25 minutes. The broadcast will be open for five minutes ahead of the start time to allow you to log on and test your connection before the session begins. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
Can home educators book onto these sessions?
Yes, we're happy to welcome home educators based in the UK onto our sessions. Follow the usual booking process. Get in touch with us if you have any questions schools@nms.ac.uk.
What if the museum has to cancel our session?
If we need to cancel your session for any reason we will aim to notify you as soon as possible using the email address you used to book the session.
If we have technical issues during the session that results in us having to cancel, we will send you a pre-recorded session link as an alternative.
Can I take part if I'm not in the UK?
No, at present our sessions are only open to UK-based schools. Our sessions are designed to support delivery of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Schools will be asked to provide their address and local authority area upon booking. We will cancel any bookings for schools based outside of the UK. If you have any questions about this, get in touch schools@nms.ac.uk.
Do I need to watch the session live?
If you have booked a ticket to one of our sessions you'll be sent a link one week before. This link will allow you to watch along live or access the recording afterwards.
If you watch along live your class will be able to ask questions and take part through the Q&A format. The session will also be recorded so if you’re unable to participate live, you can watch the session recording with your class at a time that suits.
Booking information
How do I book?
Book in advance using the booking link on each individual session page (please note you will need to create an NMS account if you do not already have one).
You will receive a confirmation e-mail immediately after booking and an e-mail with further information, including the link you’ll use to access the broadcast one week prior to the session. You will also receive an e-mail reminder the day before the session.
How many pupils can take part?
A maximum of 33 pupils plus teachers can participate on one booked class ticket. During the booking process we will ask you to report how many pupils and teachers will be taking part on the day. For statistical recording purposes, please contact us at schools@nms.ac.uk if numbers change.
Can I book for more than one class?
Our ticketing system allows you to book for up to 4 classes. For ease of communication however we encourage each class teacher to register their class separately.
Is there a limit on the number of sessions I can book?
No, you can book as many as you like.
Can I book to take part in a session without a class?
If you’re a teacher and would like to take part for your own professional development, please contact us at schools@nms.ac.uk.
Can I book for a pupil to take part who is home-based?
Pupils can take part from their homes as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The adult who will be accompanying the child at home needs to book the ticket and will receive the link to the event.
If you have booked for your class and have now become aware of a child who will be taking part remotely, please get in touch with us to arrange their access and update your numbers (if necessary) schools@nms.ac.uk.
What if I haven’t received a confirmation email or link?
Your confirmation email should arrive immediately after you book. An information pack including the link to the live broadcast will be forwarded to you 7 days prior to the event. You will also receive a reminder the day before the live broadcast. If you have not received any of these please check your junk mail or spam folder. If you still can’t locate them, please get in touch with us at schools@nms.ac.uk.
What if I can’t make the session anymore?
A recording will be available at the session joining link immediately after the live broadcast has ended allowing you to watch with your class at a time that suits.
What information do I need to provide when booking?
When booking a ticket for your class you will need the following information to hand:
- E-mail address you’d like the confirmation e-mail, information pack and reminder e-mail sent to
- School name, address and local authority area
- Age of class (e.g., P3)
- Number of pupils/teachers who will be watching the session
How will you use my booking data?
Bookings are administered via our online ticketing system. To book a session you will be asked to register your personal data and create an account if you do not already have one. The personal data you provide to us is collected so that we can administer the session efficiently. We will use your personal data to register your booking and to send you information and a joining link prior to the event. We will also send you a post-session evaluation survey. For more detailed information on how we manage your personal data please see our full Privacy Notice.
Equipment and access
What platform are the sessions on?
The sessions use Microsoft Teams. You do not need a Teams account to take part. You will be sent a link to the online broadcast prior to your session. On the day, you need to click on this link and the session will open either in a browser window, or within the Teams app if you have it installed on your computer.
What equipment do I need to take part?
You need a PC/laptop/tablet with an internet connection. You need to be able to hear the broadcast so require speakers or headphones. If you would like to type in questions during the session, you will need a keyboard. You do not need a webcam or microphone.
What if I’m late for the session starting or I miss it?
You can join at any point during the session. As it’s live and there will be others taking part, the session will start at the time stated in your confirmation email. The session is recorded and available to participants who have signed up so can be watched afterwards if you miss any part of it.
What should I do if my internet connection fails during the session?
You can either follow the link again to re-enter the broadcast, or you can watch the session afterwards using the same link to watch the recording of the session.
Will sessions be recorded to allow me to watch afterwards?
Yes, the sessions are recorded, but are only available to view for those who have signed up to take part. The recordings are not made public.
Security
Who will be running the session?
The sessions are hosted and managed by National Museums Scotland staff.
Will others be taking part in the same session?
Yes, our broadcasts are open to other schools. However, you will not be able to see any of the other schools taking part, you will only be able to see the presenter.
We will ask at the start of the session for people to share their school name in our chat function so you can find out which other schools are taking part. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions during the session using the question box and again we’d ask you to use your school name when doing this.
The chat/question function will be moderated by a member of National Museums Scotland staff before it is shared with the other people on the broadcast.
Can others taking part find out information about me?
No, we cannot see or hear your class and nor can others taking part in the session. The only information we know about you is the email address which you used to register and the username you choose. For this reason we suggest using your class name (e.g. P5C Example Primary School).
Any other information you share via the question/chat will be moderated by a member of our team before being made public to the rest of the broadcast.