The education section is designed to help teachers and students explore the services on offer to educational, community and youth groups. You can find detailed information on our Exhibits, Workshops, Special Events, Demos & Shows as well as our Outreach programme.
Our workshops, programmes and exhibits have been developed to support the education curriculum in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and are designed to provide a unique and stimulating experience for the user.
Community Relations and citizenship focused groups can also benefit from using W5 facilities as our workshops and exhibits encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas.
Please note, discounted group rates are available for groups that have 10 or more of one ticket type.
Book NowThe building and the majority of exhibits are fully accessible to wheelchair users with accessible toilets on every floor. Over The Hills and Far Away can be used by special needs groups over the age of 8 if it suits their developmental stage and workshops can be adapted to suit your requirements so please contact us to discuss how we can help you.
Please note that afternoon sessions are usually quieter and that strong magnets and strobe lighting are used in some areas of the building.
Learn morePayment is on arrival (cash, credit card, a purchase order in advance or a cheque made payable to W5 Ltd). Please inform us in advance if your numbers change significantly. We reserve the right to refuse entry to groups who have not followed the payment procedures.
Pupils should be dropped off at the W5 group entrance door. Coaches and minibuses should come to the car park at the Abercorn Basin (behind the Odyssey Arena) and at the first barrier speak into the intercom and inform the car park manager that they are bringing pupils to W5. After delivering the pupils to W5 the driver can then follow the path around the building and park in the coach park at the front of the Odyssey free-of-charge. Instructions on how to open and access the coach park are located at the coach park.
Our code of conduct for visiting groups is sent with confirmation of booking; please ensure that every leader in your group reads it carefully.
We require the following adult to pupil/student ratio:
Pre-school - 1: 2/3 (or as required by your insurance company)
Nursery - 1:5 (or as advised by your ELB)
KS 1 (5-8 years) - 1:8
KS 2 (8-11 years) - 1:10
Post-primary - 1:15
Pupils/students with disability and/or behavioural needs -1:1*
* Please be aware that it is your responsibility to advise us on the ratio requirements for your group and you must ensure that this is adequate for the pupils’ needs and/or behaviour. Small groups will need a minimum of two adults to cover supervision in the event of accidents or sickness.
Get in touch to book or enquire about school class visits to W5.