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Take advantage of the Metro Class Travel Pass for your school trips. Find details on the Nexus website, under Metro Season tickets.

 

Planning Your Visit

Education

Planning a visit to the Centre for Life couldn't be easier. Whether your group contains 10 or 500, our friendly staff are here to help you organise your trip from start to finish to ensure you have a wonderful time.

Click on the questions below to reveal the answers to some common topics.

To enquire about a visit, you can either:

  • call our Bookings Hotline on (0191) 243 8223
  • complete the Visit Enquiry Form to the right of the screen

Please note:

To maximise the learning in  our workshops, we prefer to teach students in their normal classes.
Mixing students up in groups where they are not used to working together can make learning more difficult .
If you wish  to combine groups, please speak to our education department in advance.
For health and safety reasons, we have an absolute limit of 36 students in all labs (which falls to 24 in many of the higher level workshops).

 

 

Education FAQs

Are there any catering facilities?

We have 2 cafes at Life. Times Square Cafe serves hot and cold drinks and snacks and the Life Cafe offers a wide range of hot food. An area is also available for use by education parties and groups for packed lunches. Catering packages are available as part of your visit - call (0191) 243 8223 for details.

Do you impose control on the behaviour of pupils?

Life would appreciate your assistance in ensuring the courteous behaviour of your pupils whilst they are on site. Teachers and accompanying adults remain responsible for the behaviour and discipline of their group at all times and should ensure that all children are adequately supervised. We do not tolerate any antisocial, abusive, destructive or dangerous behaviour and reserve the right to remove individual children or entire groups from the exhibition if we believe their behaviour is unacceptable.

How do we pay for our visit?

A £50 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. This can be paid over the phone with a credit card or by cheque. Your remaining balance can be paid for on the day of your visit (cash, cheque or card) or we can invoice you.

How long should we allow for a visit?

Every visit has its own schedule developed especially for your party. Each Lifelab workshop lasts at least 1 hour. If you are doing a workshop and visiting the Science Centre exhibition, we recommend that you allow at least three hours.

If we are running late, what should we do?

If you are running late please call (0191) 243 8223 and we will do our best to reschedule your programme.

Is the visit suitable for pupils with special needs?

Yes, and the Education Department would be pleased to discuss any requirements in advance of your visit. The Science Centre has induction loops, accessible toilets in all areas and lifts to all floors.

Is there a shop?

A wide range of themed gifts are available at a broad range of prices and we can also provide pre-booked goody bags if required.

We will be arriving by coach/minibus. Where shall we park?

Please drive up to the barrier at the bottom of Central Parkway. The driver should then use the intercom to inform us of your arrival. You will be told by a member of staff where to park. Walk with your group up Central Parkway, turn left at the top of Times Square and walk down to the Science Centre reception where you'll be greeted by a member of staff.

We'll be arriving on foot. Where do we report?

Whether you are visiting the Centre or you are having a workshop in Lifelab, please report to the main Science Centre reception (at the bottom of Times Square) where you'll be greeted by a member of staff.

Will we be given a schedule for our visit?

We provide school groups with a schedule detailing times to visit different zones in the exhibition, lunch area and shop. This helps to pace your visit and ensures that your group has the opportunity to try everything Life has to offer. Your schedule will be provided on arrival.

What time do we have to be there and how long do we get?

This depends on what package you have booked, but times are flexible. We will try to arrange timings to suit your requirements. This will be arranged when making a booking over then phone. Most school visits take place between between 10am and 2pm.

What are the minimum and maximum numbers?

The minimum number of pupils per visit is 10 and there is no maximum. You may be required to split your groups into smaller groups on the day. The minimum number is flexible depending on your school’s requirements e.g. children with learning difficulties.

Is there somewhere to store our belongings?

Yes, storage crate will be made available for the storage of personal belongings on the day of your visit. This is free of charge.

Enquiry Form