Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
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Organise a school visit

School bus Re-enactment for a school group in the PRONI lecture room Classroom lesson

What does PRONI offer for school groups?

PowerPoint presentations can be provided on a range of subjects linked to the Northern Ireland Curriculum.  For example:
Key Stage 2 pupils:
  • Life in Victorian Times
  • The Famine
  • The Workhouse
Key Stage 3 pupils:
  • World War II and its effect on Northern Ireland
You can also be taken on a tour of the search room to find out aboutthe Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and using the archives.  This can be combined with a visit to the Conservation section to discover how documents which have been damaged are preserved and protected.

Where are talks and lectures held?

The talk or lecture will be delivered in the lecture room, which holds roughly forty-five adults and is located on the first floor of the main PRONI building.  A service lift is available for anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs.

Booking in advance?

We require at least three months notice to make sure that staff are available.  This will ensure that we help you get the most from your visit.

What information does PRONI require in advance from a school group?

To book a school group visit or talk you should contact Education, Learning and Outreach (ELO) staff.  The following information is required.
  • the number of pupils you intend to bring with you
  • the number of teachers who will be accompanying the group ( the ratio of teachers to pupils should meet Child Protection policy guidelines)
  • a list of names of pupils and teachers (in the event of an evacuation of the building)
  • Key Stage of pupils
  • the topic or period in history in which you are interested
  • the approximate length of time you intend to stay
  • if there are any pupils with special needs

Contacting Education, Learning and Outreach (ELO) staff

Staff in the Education, Learning and Outreach (ELO) are responsible for school groups who wish to visit.  If you wish to bring a school group to PRONI, please contact PRONI in advance referring to/marking correspondence for the attention of the ELO section.

Child Protection Policy

PRONI operates a Child Protection Policy.  A copy of this is available at the help desk in the search room or if you want a copy sent to you in advance of your visit, please request this at the time of booking.
Responsibility for obtaining permission for the children to visit PRONI and to participate in activities rests with the school booking a visit.
Should PRONI want to take any photographs of children during their visit, permission will be sought from parents through the school.

What to expect when you get to PRONI

  • When you arrive at the reception area everyone will be asked to place their personal belongings (other than pencils and notebooks) in a locker.  Only bring absolute essentials with you.
  • Your group will then be escorted to the lecture room which is on the first floor of the building.
  • Teachers will be expected to stay with the group during the visit and to maintain discipline.
  • Mobile phones or digital cameras should not be used on the premises.
  • Eating or drinking (other than in the canteen) is also not permitted, except for medication required for emergency use.
  • Original documents that you may handle and use are irreplaceable and unique so they must be treated with extreme care.
  • If the group want a tour of the research facilities it may be necessary to split the class into 2 groups.  You will be expected to be as quiet as possible in order to minimise disruption to other visitors.
  • A member of PRONI staff will always be on hand to provide an interesting and exciting visit.
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