Learning
“Our children and staff were all very impressed and enjoyed every element of it. We felt the balance of the hands on experiences and listening was great. It really captured the children’s imagination.”
Schools
Inspire your pupils with a visit to the Silk Museum. A visit will complement and enhance classroom-based learning. Children get the opportunity to handle artefacts, express their creativity through a craft session and interact with one of our costumed interpreters.
Early years
Getting hands on with objects from the past is a great way to engage young children in the magic of history.
Colleges & Universities
Our curatorial team has relationships with Universities and Colleges to enhance learning and share best practice in the conservation of collections.
Adult learning
Why should the kids have all the fun? The Silk Museum is housed in the old Macclesfield School of Art. We are continuing the tradition of teaching art in this building through regular classes and stand alone workshops.
Workshop listings can be found on our ‘What’s On’ page.
Have a Dabble are our adult art group. They meet in the museum every Friday. The morning class runs from 9 - 12 and the afternoon class is from 1 - 4 pm. It is a lovely relaxed group and they are always looking for new members. Each week they explore different styles and art forms. You can book through the What’s On page.
WORK EXPERIENCE
We offer work experience placements for Year 10 and Year 12 students over 2 weeks each summer term.
In 2025 these will be:
Monday 9th - Friday 13th June
and
Monday 7th - Friday 11th July
Education Work Experience
Are you interested in working with children and education? During this week you will support on school visits to the museum, develop new materials for use on school visits and help prepare materials.
Curatorial Work Experience
This work placement will see you working behind the scenes in the museum. You will do conservation work with the curator, be involved in research, and also work as a gallery guide.
Application Process
If one of the above placements appeals to you, we are keen to hear from you. Please email us a written statement (no more than 300 words) explaining why you would like to complete your work experience with us. Think about your current interests, studies and any previous experience you have.
Applications are now open. We will review applications within 3 weeks of receiving them and then let you know whether you have been successful. Please email Natalie on education@silkmacclesfield.org.uk with your application or any questions.
Please note we have limited spaces available but we will accommodate as applicants as possible.