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Learning and Schools

The Victoria Tunnel was built in 1842 to transport coal from the Town Moor to the Tyne. In World War II, it was converted into a communal air raid shelter for hundreds of local residents. To find out more about the fascinating history of the Victoria Tunnel, please visit the History page.

Our very succesful workshops are now fully booked, however, more Primary school half day workshops will be held in June and October 2013

The next workshops will be held in June 2013 if you would like your school to participate in the 2013 workshops please email: clive.goodwin@ouseburntrust.org.uk

Curriculum links

A visit to the Victoria Tunnel will enhance classroom learning about history topics such as Victorian Britain; Britain during World War 2; and Britain Since 1930, or a local study.

While the Tunnel itself offers a unique context for scientific investigations, Design and Technology projects as well as an opportunity for children to develop their literacy and numeracy skills.

We have sessions available which focus on the Victorian or WW2 history of the Tunnel and we are happy to facilitate access to the Tunnel for your own planned activity (Please discuss your ideas with us first!)

Recent feedback from school workshops held in 2012

"Great experience - the children will remember the Victoria Tunnel for a long time; the darkness and sound effects were fantastic."

"The tunnel provided real history, something that a picture, book or film could not do and gave the pupils a real live experience."

"Guides were excellent."

"Great session - it built on classroom learning of WW2."

Co-ordinating a Visit

We can accommodate school parties of up to 32 children and accompanying adults. School parties are split into two groups , as no more than 16 children can be accommodated into the Tunnel at a time. There needs to be 2 adults at least inside the Tunnel with each group.

While one group is in the Tunnel, the other group will be involved in one of our Complementary Activities before swapping over. The Complementary Activities usually take place in classrooms at the Ouseburn Farm.

Or, you may wish to combine your school's visit to the Ouseburn Valley (saving transport costs) with a visit to Seven Stories (National Centre for children's books), or Stepney Bank Riding Stables, or the Ouseburn Farm. We will be pleased to give you more information about these activities when you make your booking.

Download a sample Victoria Tunnel timetable here

Complementary Activities

We have a number of resources and self-led activities available to support Tunnel Tours. Help with delivering these may be available but cannot be guaranteed. Please download the packs to familiarise yourself with the activities.

A number of additional resources can be found on our Heritage Learning page here.

Lost and Found

Victorian, WW2, Local History

Object handling activity based at Ouseburn Farm

40 - 50 minutes

Download the Lost and Found pack here

WW2 in a Suitcase

WW2, Local History

Object handling activity based at Ouseburn Farm

40 - 50 minutes

Download the WW2 in a Suitcase pack here

Exploring St Ann's Churchyard

Victorian, Local History

Gravestone Study based at St Ann's Church

40 - 50 minutes

Download the Exploring St Ann's Churchyard pack here

What Would You Take?

WW2 History

Card-led group debate based at Tunnel Entrance, Ouse St

10 - 20 minutes

Download the What Would You Take activity cards here

Here or There?

Victorian History

Card-led activity based at Tunnel Entrance, Ouse St

10 - 20 minutes

Download the Here or There activity cards here

Booking Information

Price per head in 2013 will be £3 per child.

To request a visit, please contact the Ouseburn Trust on 0191 261 6596 or email clive.goodwin@ouseburntrust.org.uk

It would be helpful if you could provide the following information:

Year group
Number of children in the group
Potential visit times and dates
How much time you have for the visit (please bear in mind that groups of more than 15 children will need to split into 2 tunnel visits)
Study topic
Any special access requirements

We can then advise you on the appropriate Complementary Activity.

You may be able to book help with running the Complementary Activities. Please enquire about this when requesting your visit.

Pre-visit Resources - dedicated Teacher's Pack

We will send you (free of charge) a DVD documentary and audio CD, which include interviews with people who remember sheltering in the Tunnel during WW2.

The Victoria Tunnel book is also available at £3.95, it tells the story of the Tunnel through archive documents and images. This can be purchased before your visit to enhance your pre-visit activities.

To find out more about these resources, please visit Victoria Tunnel publications & products