Skip to main content

Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower Schools Programme

Arrange a visit

Visit Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower to make your school visit go off with a bang! There is plenty of science to discover with 150 years of naval firepower and changes in military technology. If you are focusing on history, a visit to Explosion will bring to life the site’s rich local heritage, including a chance to investigate the Grand Magazine from the time of Nelson’s Navy. Discover more about the lives of the women who worked at Priddy’s Hard during both the First and Second World Wars.

Schools Programme 22/23

A Discovery Visit is a teacher led self -guided museum visit to Explosion: Museum of Naval Firepower. We are excited to be able to offer you a choice of Discovery Visit supported with new Discovery Challenge packs for pupils to engage with the galleries and artefacts on display.

Pupils will be able to see the original Powder Magazine dating from 1771, explore the stories of those who worked at Priddy’s Hard and wonder at the size of the big guns and shells used during the First and Second World Wars.

There is now even more to explore with our Discover More! Offer Teachers can book this enhanced visit which includes a Discovery Visit plus the choice of themed Discovery Chest.

Each chest contains resources designed to help pupils with discussion, investigations, reflection, and creativity.

Discovery visits

KS1 - 5

Royal Navy Submarine Museum

£5 per pupil

Discover More

KS1 - 3

Royal Navy Submarine Museum

£6 per pupil

Joint Visit with Explosion: Museum of Naval Firepower

Maximise your day with a joint visit to our two Gosport museums – please see schools programme brochure for full details

Discovery Visit

KS1 - 5

Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Explosion Museum

£8 per pupil

Discover More

KS1 - 3

Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Explosion Museum

£9 per pupil

Accompanying free adults

1 free adult per 5 pupils

For health and safety and supervision we require the following minimum ratios:

KS1: 1 free adult per 5 pupils

KS2 – KS4: 1 free adult per 12 pupils

KS5: 1 free adult per 15 pupils

For further details about the full programme on offer, please download the brochure here.

Download NMRN-Gosport_Learning-Brochure-JUN22 FINAL.pdf (772.8 KB)

Planning and booking your school visit

To make your school booking, please complete the booking request form here.

UK school visits are required to be booked at least 7 days in advance.

Schools not booked in advance cannot be accepted.

To qualify for a UK school rate, a group must consist of a minimum of 12 paying persons

Spaces to eat your packed lunches are available and can be booked in advance.

We will provide bin bags so that you can ensure areas are tidy afterwards.

Hand-held audio devices describing the collection are available by prior arrangement, for booked groups of people with visual impairments. The buildings are wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets and a lift. We can provide wheelchairs, handling artefacts, trails or activities for those with learning difficulties or other types of needs.

You can also book a Chill Out Backpack designed to support visitors with sensory needs or who need extra support to feel grounded and relaxed. Please discuss these with us beforehand.

The site and all activities are fully risk assessed and subject to safeguarding and health and safety policies. Further guidance around the facilities at our site can be found here:

 

Download PHD Hazard Information 2022.pdf (890.69 KB)

We strongly advise a preliminary visit in order to familiarise yourself with the site and complete risk assessment paperwork. For groups already booked you will need to bring the booking reference as proof.

On arrival you will issued with up to 3 adult tickets or at weekends and holidays 1 family ticket. For groups that haven’t yet booked only 1 ticket will be available for the school.

Our maximum number for a Discovery Visit is 120 students. Our maximum number for a Discover More! visit is approx. 35 students.

The recommended visit length for each of our attractions is between 60 and 90 minutes.

For a Discover More! visit, you have access to your chosen Discovery Chest and back pack for the day so you can tailor the length of the visit to suit your requirements. We offer free access to supervising staff members during your visit, with ratios relevant to the age of your group (found within the ‘prices’ section).

We do ask that large groups divide into smaller groups to move around our attractions and gallery spaces to avoid overcrowding.

Useful Resources

Download PHD Challenge-Pack-All-Hands.pdf (5.03 MB)

Keep up to date!

To keep up to date with the latest information regarding Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s learning programme, sign up to our mailing list.

Sign up now

Got a question?

Please contact our dedicated groups and schools office, open Monday – Friday 09:30 – 16:30.

Contact us email: phd.learning@nmrn.org.uk - Telephone: 02392839766 (Opt 3)

Visit our other locations

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Schools Programme

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is delighted to offer its programme of interactive learning opportunities and resources to enthuse and inspire learners of all ages and abilities. Using our world-class ships, collections, expertise and facilities, our programmes provide unique and unforgettable learning experiences. Our site-based activities combine inspiring hands-on experiences with innovative digital resources to bring subjects to life.

Fleet Air Arm Museum School Programme

Welcome to the Schools Programme for the Fleet Air Arm Museum, the home of Royal Naval Flying. The museum’s collection is an unparalleled resource of innovative technology, personal stories and historic objects, to bring the curriculum to life. 

The museum offers a range of stimulating activities for all ages, making learning relevant and engaging throughout our four halls.

National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool Schools Programme

Go on an adventure with your class at the National Museum of the Royal Navy: Hartlepool and visit our world-class historic ship and quayside and our exciting Fighting Ships experience. The museum offers a flexible teacher-led visit which can be tailored to fit class size and time constraints.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum Schools Programme

The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is delighted to offer its programme of interactive learning opportunities and resources to enthuse and inspire learners of all ages and abilities. Step on board the UK’s only surviving World War Two era submarine, HMS Alliance and join our submariner guides who will describe what life was like on board. Learn all about the history of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and the technology which has allowed sailing beneath the waves.