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  1. Schools
  2. FAQs

Schools

Risk Assessments & Safeguarding

What about risk assessments and safeguarding?

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A Hazard Identification Sheet will be sent to you prior to your visit to help you complete your risk assessment.

While the Royal Gunpowder Mills carries out regular risk assessments, teachers are welcome to visit the site in advance of the booked school visit to undertake their own risk assessment and assist the specific needs of individuals in their group.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills has a dedicated First Aid room and there will be a designated First Aider on site throughout the school visit.

A copy of our safeguarding policy is available upon request.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 12th April, 2022

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Cancellations

What if I need to cancel my booking?

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Cancellations should be emailed to [email protected].

As our sessions are delivered by an external performer we are unable to offer free cancellations. 

Virtual visit cancellations will be charged at 100% of the total cost.

In school visit cancellations will be charged at 70% of the total cost.

On site visit cancellations will be charged at 50% of the total cost.

All cancellations made less than 24 hours before the visits will be charged at 100% of the total cost.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Teacher Expectations

What will our school teachers and accompanying adults be expected to do during our visit?

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Teachers and accompanying adults are expected to stay with their group and experience the sessions alongside pupils.

Responsibility for pupils on school visits remains with the teachers and accompanying adults at all times.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Equipment

Do we need to bring anything with us?

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In short, the answer is "no", all materials will be provided.

However, all attendees will need to bring their lunch and drinks with them and you need to ensure in colder weather that all attendees dress appropriately (although all spaces have heating, our buildings are very old!)

Although we have an on-site first aid room, you may wish to bring your own kit with you.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Programme Availability

Are all of the programmes available year round?

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We currently offer three exciting curriculum-linked topics all year round:

  •  Victorian Life

Discover what life was like in Victorian Britain and explore how changes to work, education, leisure and transport shaped the world we live in today.

  • The Home Front

From air raid shelters to rationing, explore how life at home changed during the Second World War.

  • Rockets: Explosive Experiments (on site visits only)

Explore rocketry through Professor Nitrate’s interactive science show, our Rocket Vault and hands-on learning activities.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Cafe

Will the cafe be open during our visit?

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No - Our cafe is only open during our public open days (Sundays and selected bank holidays). 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Directions

How do we get to the Royal Gunpowder Mills?

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Our address is: The Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY

To find us, you can also use what3words.com: camera.acute.supper

The turning point for Beaulieu Drive is located on Station Road (the A121) across from McDonalds. 

The entrance for the Royal Gunpowder Mills is located at the top north end of Beaulieu Drive. 

For school visits, please use the entrance gate on the right hand side (not the gate straight ahead). 

Please press the gate intercom upon arrival.

A member of the Learning and Outreach Team will meet your group upon arrival.

See our directions page for a map. 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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First Aid

Is their first aid on site?

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There are first aid facilities on site and there will be a designated First Aider on site throughout the school visit.

However, First Aid provision is ultimately the responsibility of the teachers leading the group under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, 1981.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Lunch

Where can we have lunch?

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Please make sure all attendees bring their lunch and drinks with them as our cafe is not open during school visiting hours.

Indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) lunch facilities will be available.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

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Parking

Where can we park?

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Coaches can park on-site (unless otherwise instructed) and can remain there for the duration of your stay, free of charge.

For coaches parking on-site: go to the black automatic gates (to the right at the end of Beaulieu Drive) and use the intercom to be allowed on site. You will be directed to a suitable parking space upon arrival.

Occasionally, coaches may be instructed to park in the main car park - accessed through the gates at the top of Beaulieu Drive. However, you will be advised if this is needed.

If pupils are being dropped off via parental cars, they can park in the main car park and you will be met by a member of our Learning and Outreach Team and taken on site from there.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Accessibility

How can we meet your group's access needs?

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We want everyone to enjoy our schools programme. All spaces used in our schools programme are wheelchair accessible.

We are happy to adapt sessions to meet the access needs of your group. Please get in touch with our Learning and Outreach Team to discuss: 

  • 01992 707 320
  • [email protected]

We have two wheelchair accessible toilets on site.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Pre-visit

Can I visit before I bring my group?

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If you have not visited us before, you may wish to come for a free pre-visit in order to familiarise yourself with the site and to complete any additional risk assessment paperwork you may need - and to discuss your selected programme.

Please call or email to arrange a convenient time with the Learning and Outreach Team - unfortunately, we are not able to allow teachers to come without an appointment.

  • 01992 707 320
  • [email protected]

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Timings Of The Day

What time does the day begin and end?

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On Site Visits run from 10:30AM – 2:00PM (arrival time 10:00AM – 2:30PM departure time).      

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Adult-to-Student Ratio

How many accompanying adults are needed?

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Please make sure you have the correct adult-to-student ratio. For KS1 and KS2 we recommend a minimum of 1:10 adult-to-student ratio, but encourage 1:7.

Students who require 1-2-1 support may bring their support workers for free.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 12th April, 2022

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Group Size

What size groups do you cater for?

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Our current schools programme has a maximum capacity of 2 classes per visit. However, if you would like to visit us with three classes, please let us know and we will try to accommodate your group if possible.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 21st August, 2022

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Costs

How much do virtual, in school and on site visits cost?

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  • Virtual Visits: £80 
  • In School Visits: £300 (4 x 30 minute performances or 3 x 45 minute performances) 
  • On Site Visits: £250

Please note: No VAT is charged on our school visits 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 12th April, 2022

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Bookings

How do I book a trip for my school?

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Either by calling or emailing the Learning and Outreach Team:

  • 01992 707 320
  • [email protected]

You will need to provide the following information:

  • Which course you require
  • The year group of the students
  • The amount of students you will be bringing
  • A list of dates in preferential order

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 11th April, 2022

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Showing 10 of 17

Latest

  • Air Powered Rockets (KS1/2/3)

    Students will discover concepts such as gravity, friction and acceleration by making and launching their own air-powered rockets.

  • Gunpowder Railway and Main Exhibition (KS1/2/3)

    Gunpowder Railway and Main Exhibition (KS1/2/3)

    Take a trip on The Gunpowder Railway and explore our main exhibition.

  • Experience the Royal Gunpowder Mills

    Experience the Royal Gunpowder Mills

    Discover 300 years of explosive history! Experience an in-depth Tractor Trailer Guided Tour of our 170 acre site, Exhibitions and Gunpowder Railway.

  • Children's Easter Workshop: Willow Weaving and Easter Egg Hunt (4-11 yrs)

    Children's Easter Workshop: Willow Weaving and Easter Egg Hunt (4-11 yrs)

    Learn how to weave your own willow bird feeder, join in an exciting Easter egg hunt and enjoy a ride on our mini railway!

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  • Full 2023 Programme Coming Soon!

    Full 2023 Programme Coming Soon!

    Spring is on its way and our April activities are now available to book! Please see our What's On page for more information to find out more and buy your tickets...

  • How to Get Here

    How to Get Here

    Find out more about where we're located and how to get here by all types of transport.

  • Virtual Tours

    Virtual Tours

    Explore our site from the comfort of home.

  • Visitor Map

  • Jobs

    Jobs

    Come and work with us!

  • Professor Nitrate

    Professor Nitrate

    Experience Professor Nitrate's explosive outdoor science show.

  • Tractor Trailer Guided Tours

    Tractor Trailer Guided Tours

    Take a 25 minute guided Tractor Trailer Guided Tour to the 'out of bounds' parts of the Royal Gunpowder Mills.

  • Our Purpose

    The purpose of the charity is to preserve, manage, research, conserve and display for the benefit of the general public and of the nation at large the historical and archaeological heritage of the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey in the form of ancient monuments, listed buildings and the natural aspect features and bird, animal, tree and plant life.

  • Gunpowder Cafe

    Gunpowder Cafe

    Tasty treats are being served at our Gunpowder Cafe!

  • The Armoury

    The Armoury

    Discover how firearms changed over the centuries by visiting our collection of over 300 historic firearms.

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Royal Gunpowder Mills Digital Archive

Royal Gunpowder Mills Digital Archive

After the closure of ERDE, the archive material inherited passed through a number of hands and storage locations before opening to the public as an online database. Read more

Published: 4th July, 2018

Updated: 10th March, 2022

Author: Ian MacFarlane

RGM Historic Book Reprint Series

RGM Historic Book Reprint Series

The Historic Reprint Series are Facsimilie reprints of books having historical relevance to the development and manufacture of gunpowder at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Read more

Published: 19th July, 2019

Updated: 22nd July, 2022

Author: Ian MacFarlane

RGM Book Series

RGM Book Series

Books about the history of the Royal Gunpowder Mills written by Archive Volunteers. Read more

Published: 19th July, 2019

Updated: 27th March, 2023

Author: Ian MacFarlane

Help Royal Gunpowder Mills!

Help Royal Gunpowder Mills!

The Royal Gunpowder Mills has now reopened following a two year closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please donate to help continue our Charity’s work. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 17th June, 2020

Updated: 21st July, 2022

Author:

Amazon Smile

Amazon Smile

Amazon Smile Read more

Published: 13th October, 2020

Author: Ian MacFarlane

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Royal Gunpowder Mills is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1062968).

Contact us

Royal Gunpowder Mills,
Beaulieu Drive,
Waltham Abbey,
Essex, EN9 1JY
United Kingdom

[email protected]
01992 707370

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