teachers & schools

We are delighted to be able to offer a brand new learning programme here at Surgeon’s Hall Museum. The unique collection has objects and displays illustrating the history of surgery and dentistry over the last 500 years, with a particular focus on the significant contribution made in Edinburgh. As well as exploring the science behind important developments such as anaesthesia and antisepsis, the collection offers a great opportunity to investigate aspects of social history and citizenship. This may also stimulate debate around some of the ethical issues surrounding the advancement of medical science.

Surprising links can be made to a variety of subjects. English teachers who are reading the Nicola Morgan novel ‘Fleshmarket’ may be particularly interested in our Burke and Hare display. Dr Robert Knox who is featured in the novel was a past curator of our museum! The collection also has a display on the story of Arthur Conan Doyle’s inspiration behind the character of Sherlock Holmes. Art teachers will find the rich historical connections between art and anatomy stimulating, and pupils can draw freely in the galleries.

During a session we make good use of our handling collection of original objects, allowing pupils to get hands on with real surgical equipment, past and present. We are happy to tailor sessions to your specific needs so please contact us to find out more.

We hope that a visit to the museum would support the aims of the emerging curriculum for excellence – encouraging your pupils to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.

how to book

For all booking enquiries please contact:
Thomas Elliott
Tel: 0131 527 1633
Email: t.elliott@rcsed.ac.uk

Teachers bringing a class can arrange a free preliminary visit to familiarise themselves with the collection and facilities. Contact us for details.

costs and payment

The cost of a visit for all school groups is £3 per pupil. Accompanying adults are free of charge on a ratio of 1:10. For special needs pupils/groups this ratio is 1:1

Any additional adults are charged at £5 per head.

Minimum charge

For all groups there is a minimum charge of £30, except in the case of schools with special needs.

Cancellation fee

There is a cancellation fee of £20 for any class cancelled within one week of the visit, unless a rebooking is made at the same time.

For your convenience, we can invoice you after your visit. Alternatively payment can be made by cash or cheque on the day. Cheques should be made payable to RCSEd.

Please note: You are only charged for the number of pupils who actually attend the museum on the day of your visit.

Stop Press: Wounded, a free schools performance, comes to Surgeons' Hall Museum

From 20th - 23rd November 2012, Surgeons’ Hall Museum at The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh will host a unique theatrical and educational event. WOUNDED is a new play, which has been written by members of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre for students from the S3 upwards.

Play synopsis: The play begins in 1917 where Alfie Seddon, a soldier injured in the Great War, is being nursed in a Birmingham hospital. Ninety four years on the injured soldier being treated in the same military hospital is Kate Mulligan, a Combat Medical Technician. Wracked with guilt that she caused her own injuries and the life threatening injuries of another soldier who tried to save her, Kate begins to experience strange goings on. Perhaps it’s the shock or maybe, just maybe Kate really can see and hear Private Alfred Seddon. The two soldiers, a century apart, remember and revisit their experiences, allowing them to explore their trauma and help each other recover. Emotional, heartfelt and intriguing, Wounded is a ghostly story, of two people coping with the aftermath of trauma.

Wounded has two aims: to bring to life elements of the Curriculum for Excellence, particularly in History, English, Drama and Citizenship work; and to support outreach initiatives for students, enabling interaction with museum collections.

On the, 20th, 22nd & 23rd November students will view a 70 minute performance which will be followed up by Q&A sessions with historians, members of the cast, representatives from military charities and Museum Staff. Each performance can hold c. 60 students (each session will last c. 1 hour 45 mins). The Wounded Drama workshops will run at 10am and 2pm on Wednesday 21st November at Edinburgh Festival Theatre. Each workshop will last 1 hour and 45 minutes and can accommodate 20-30 pupils. The workshops will be available for school classes from S3 upwards. Performances and workshops are specifically targeted to students from local authority schools.

The play comes complete with a digital Resource Pack, which provides ready-made lessons for teachers, along with tasks and activities for the students to do as individuals and in groups.

TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK YOUR CLASS'S FREE PLACE, PLEASE CONTACT E.BLACK@RCSED.AC.UK OR 0131 527 1649

outreach

Medical Chest: In the Bag

A handling collections resource for schools is available. Each vintage Gladstone bag will contain a selection of medical related objects from the distant past to the present, allowing you to make comparisons and discuss some of the major breakthroughs in the history of surgery. Comprising mainly real objects, with some replicas, this resource provides a fascinating and stimulating way to bring the subject to life.

Find out:
What were bleeding bowls used for?
What is a retractor?