The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

The Schools Programme

The Trust has designed a series of educational resources that cater to the unique requirements of schools, with inputs from experienced teachers. These resources have been intentionally devised to align with the study of History and STEM. Schools can choose from a variety of learning opportunities that are available, which cater to diverse curricular needs.

  • Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

    Subscribe to our Learning Offer

    Support the Heritage Trust mission to showcase our artefacts, history and resources to young people. Click the buttons below to hear more about this.

  • Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

    Donate with us

    We heavily rely on donations to keep resouces, artefacts and the Museum's clean and tidy. With your support, through volunteering or fundrasing and donations we can really exemplify the environment destined for learning about our Railway for all generations.

Click on the slides below to view the five categories, ranging from the Schools ProgrammePlan an Educational VisitBook an Educational VisitLoans Boxes and Digital Resource Packs. Contact us if you would like to enquire further.

Our Schools Programme at the Gauge Museum offers clear curriculum links to both History and STEM subjects. Choose from our range of Loans Boxes and Resource Packs, or join us for a Learning Session or self-guided visit.

What better way to round off your learning experience than to feel for yourself the power of a steam locomotive as you travel through the beautiful Somerset countryside? The Railway offers a range of possible routes on our line, allowing you to tailor your visit in terms of time and expense.

We know that these are uncertain and difficult times for everybody.  To help keep young children busy and support parents and carers, our education team have put together a series of STEM-related learning challenges for you to download and complete at home.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, we highly recommend that you come and visit us at the West Somerset Railway! Our Museum Learning Sessions take place Mondays and Tuesdays during our running season, and provide an amazing opportunity to explore the railway’s fascinating history in an interactive and engaging way. Through the use of costumes, role play, and real and replica objects, you’ll be transported back in time to truly experience what life was like on the railway.

Our Education and Learning Officer will guide you through the session from the lower floor of the Gauge Museum, giving you an unparalleled insight into the railway’s story. And for those looking for a more comprehensive tour, you can enjoy a train ride and museum tour alongside your learning session. We also offer a variety of museum trails for those who prefer an independent trip, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

So why wait? Book your learning session today and discover the wonders of the West Somerset Railway for yourself!

Hover and click on the slides below to find out more about our learning offer. 

Our outreach service is an excellent resource available all year round, even when the railway itself is closed. Our services are designed to support schools in various ways and make teaching students the history and importance of our railways easier. One of our in-school visit options is the delivery of our museum learning sessions, which can be conducted from the comfort of your classroom.

Our Learning Officer is dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the best possible learning experience. Another option is to borrow one of our loan boxes, filled with museum artefacts, photos, and costumes, to create a hands-on learning experience for students. These boxes can be loaned out for up to three weeks, giving teachers ample time for engaging lessons.

Lastly, our digital resource packs are a great way to get inspired and discover new ways to teach your students. Each pack contains many photos, worksheets, challenge cards, and printable replicas to kick-start a new topic and start learning.

Hover and click on the slides below to find out more about our learning offer. 

Explore many railway-themed activities for all children from EYFS - KS2, including STEM sessions too.
Discover our many themed Loans Boxes for all the children to enjoy.
Containing everything you need to kick start your topic, find out more about our Digital Resource Packs. Featuring EYFS/KS1 and KS2 packs.
Find out all you need to know about visiting the Gauge Museum and the WSR following our Museum Trails and Self-Guided Visit Information Packs.
Explore many railway-themed activities for all children from EYFS - KS2, including STEM sessions too.
Discover our many themed Loans Boxes for all the children to enjoy.
Containing everything you need to kick start your topic, find out more about our Digital Resource Packs. Featuring EYFS/KS1 and KS2 packs.
Find out all you need to know about visiting the Gauge Museum and the WSR following our Museum Trails and Self-Guided Visit Information Packs.