Learning Programme for Schools

Alongside an incredible line-up of events during the February half term, each year Norwich Science Festival also presents a Learning Programme for schools - bringing all the wonder and joys of science to primary pupils across Norwich and Norfolk.

2026 - The Great Science Time Tour

Following on from the success of Food Scientists to the Rescue (2025) and To the Moon and Back (2024), in 2026 The Forum team worked with Actor Tom Butterworth and Director Bob Percy, to develop and deliver a brand-new touring play to schools across the county – reaching 8,400 pupils in 38 primary and SEND schools.

The Great Science Time Tour invited children to look at the world around them and imagine how they might shape it in future, by considering the work of three impressive figures in science history.

The play was made possible with funding from the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm via the Norfolk Community Foundation, the John Jarrold Trust, The R C Snelling Trust, and The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust. Their support enabled us to deliver the play completely free to schools, who otherwise would not have been able to access external science engagement offerings.

The play ended its run at Norwich Science Festival, where it formed part of the key free offering for families.

2025 - Food Scientists to the Rescue!

In the Spring term 2025, Norwich Science Festival toured a play for primary schools, with support from Norfolk Community Foundation, Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm and Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust. The interactive science play, suitable for KS1 and KS2 audiences, explored topics such as healthy food choices and nutrition, whilst introducing some of the latest cutting-edge food science stories from the Norwich Research Park.

The play toured 33 primary schools and 4 SEND schools across Norwich and Norfolk, reaching more than 6,000 school pupils.

In addition to the play, a free, food-themed drama workshop was also delivered in Norfolk schools, introducing pupils to theatrical creativity, encompassing stage craft, presentation and confidence building.

At the end of the schools' tour, the play then came to Norwich Science Festival with an eight-day run at The Forum - completely free of charge to families and offering a fantastic additional activity to their day out!

The touring play and workshops were developed in collaboration with the Science Arts and Writing (SAW) Trust and the Ministry of Imagination.

2024 - To the Moon and Back

In 2024, Norwich Science Festival and the Science Arts Writing Trust toured 'To the Moon and Back', a free, interactive play for schools written by and starring Ben Langley.

This fantastic one-man play explained the science behind a trip to the moon, and was kindly supported by the People's Postcode Trust. The play reached more than 5,000 schoolchildren and toured 33 Norfolk schools during January and February 2024.