A Year of Learning at Reading Museum: 2024–25
The 2024–25 academic year has been a vibrant and inspiring one for the Learning Team at Reading Museum. From bustling school visits to inclusive community events, the museum has continued to be a hub of creativity, curiosity, and connection.
This year, we welcomed over 15,900 children through 526 school visits, both in-person and online. Our most popular session, the Victorian Schoolroom, ran 110 times for schools and an additional 8 times during the holidays.
We delivered curriculum-linked sessions on:
- Prehistory
- Roman Britain
- Victorian Childhood
- Windrush
- Huntley & Palmers
Teachers consistently praised the sessions for their engaging delivery, knowledgeable staff, and strong links to classroom learning.
Virtual learning, home educators and trainee teachers
Our virtual sessions continued to grow, reaching schools far beyond Reading:
- Victorian Christmas Broadcasts engaged over 850 children.
- Roman Life sessions reached more than 570 pupils from 15 schools.
- A school near York joined in—proof that our learning offer is truly national.
This year we piloted and delivered sessions tailored for home-educated children:
- A Roman Britain session was fully booked.
- A Victorian Childhood virtual session received enthusiastic feedback and requests for more.
In partnership with the University of Reading’s Institute of Education, we ran workshops in:
- Art & Design Technology
- Maths
Everyone at the museum was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and I greatly enjoyed the session run there.
Trainee Teacher -
Celebrating Jane Austen
This year marked a major celebration of Jane Austen’s connection to Reading:
- “Wednesdays with Jane Austen” workshops explored regency life, ink making, and Austen’s schooldays.
- University students created interpretation boards and banners, now used in exhibitions and outreach events.
- Austen-themed Abbey Quarter Tours were fully booked all summer.
Very interesting. I saw areas of Reading that I'd not seen before. The schoolroom of Jane Austen was a real highlight. Very well informed Guider.
Tour attendee -
Plaque for Jane Austen at Reading Abbey Gateway
Information panel at Reading Abbey Gateway
Inclusive and Community-Focused Events
We’re proud of our commitment to accessibility and inclusion:
- A BSL-interpreted Abbey Tour for the Deaf and hearing-impaired community.
- A U3A Latin Group session tailored for adult learners.
- A bespoke session for Reading Community Learning Centre, supporting women learning English with visual trails.
- A series of tactile, sensory-rich activities for Berkshire Vision, including a clay workshop inspired by the textures of the Abbey ruins.
Looking ahead to the next year
With bookings already filling up for the next academic year, we’re excited to build on this year’s success. The upcoming proposed Silchester Gallery redevelopment and continued Jane Austen 250 events promise even more opportunities for learning and engagement.
Another amazing visit at your lovely museum. Thank you for having us and see you next year!
Teacher comment -
