Learning
at Dimbola
Our education team have a series of bookable sessions that cover a wide range of curriculum subjects across all key stages. Pupils can take part in activities that will deepen their knowledge of the Victorian world through art, photography and literature.
The museum is situated within the Isle of Wight National Landscape, and we take delight in being able to support the work to widen participation in nature and heritage through the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere designation. We encourage pupils that are visiting to explore both our inside and outdoor spaces, and the countryside that surrounds us.
Education sessions
What's included
Education sessions include an outdoor activity looking at Charles Darwin, who stayed next door to Dimbola and was photographed by Julia. Exploring the beach at Freshwater Bay, pupils will use their scientific skills to better understand Natural Selection, Competition, Habitats and niche environments. There is then an option to create art though a cyanotype workshop on the beach.
One of Julia’s closet friends was the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, who lived next door at Farringford. In our creative writing session, we look at the wonderful Lady of Shallott sculpture within our grounds and use a walk in Tennyson's footsteps as inspiration to write new poetry and drama.
We also have a loan box available to use, with or without support from our education team, that asks pupils to learn about the Victorians here at Freshwater through exploring key figures of ‘The Freshwater Circle’.
Museum & Schools Programme
Enhancing links
Since 2018 we have been delighted to be a part of the Museums and Schools project, supported by Arts Council England and funded through the Department for Education.
A partnership of museum and cultural organisations from across the Isle of Wight has worked develop activities and resources to support heritage education.
Please see their dedicated website with a wealth of resources from our museum and all partners across the Island.
Get involved
Additional learning opportunities
Dimbola can offer opportunities to learn new specialist skills and gain unique experiences. We work with schools to stage exhibitions of their students’ work and have hosted drama and musical productions inspired by Julia and the history of Dimbola.
We also offer a wide range of volunteering and work experience placements for students and young people interested in a variety of roles within the photographic and heritage sector, helping them to gain invaluable experience which they will be able to use when applying for university or employment.