School Visits
Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) will illuminate and educate. YAM is committed to collaborating with teachers and educators, school, homeschooling and distance education students to create inclusive and captivating experiences.
Our diverse exhibition calendar includes contemporary art, Indigenous art, local history and science that will ignite your students’ creativity, critical thinking, and imagination, complementing classroom learning across all key learning areas.
Educational programs comprise guided tours, workshops, student enrichment days, teacher exhibition previews and exhibition-based educational activities. Our Education and Digital Program Facilitators are available to help with any inquiries or needs you may have.
YAM welcomes educational groups at any time for a free self-guided tour, guided tour, or workshop, but bookings are necessary.
Contact us today to arrange your visit and discover the wealth of educational opportunities awaiting you at YAM.
YAM Educational Programs and Tours
Sea Monsters School visits
Sea Monsters offers an exciting experience that combines real fossils from millions of years ago and giant replicas, including a 13-meter long Elasmosaur and a 9-metre Prognathodon.
Exhibition open from Friday 23 February until Sunday 26 May 2024.
Book a guided tour with our museum educators for a journey back in time through the Sea Monsters exhibition. Explore gigantic ancient predators that once ruled the oceans. Explore fossilised bones, compare ocean predators and discover the secrets of sea monsters.
Please note Sea Monsters has both sound and visual components.
YARRILA PLACE TOURS
A free guided tour for local primary and high school students to see and experience Yarrila Place. Students will gain an insight into the new modern cultural space including: the building’s architecture and construction, Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM), the Harry Bailey Memorial Library including the Youth Space, Digital Studio and Make Space, and the building’s Public Art.
FREE GUIDED TOURS FOR FIRST 12 MONTHS
All years – primary and high schools
Curriculum: Geography & History
Time: 45 mins
DESIGN YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE
Collaborate with our Programs Facilitator – Education to design your own excursion to YAM. This option allows you to tailor direct connections between your visit and your classroom learning and curriculum outcomes.
Costs apply per student.
PAST AND PRESENT
Yaamanga Around here – a permanent exhibition, explores the history and identity of the Coffs Coast through themes of place, community and belonging, with Gumbaynggirr culture at its heart.
Programs Facilitator – Education will take students on an exciting educational tour followed by an activity about the impact of objects and storytelling. Activities are designed for age-appropriate learning.
Years: K-6
Curriculum: History
Time: 1 hour
Costs apply per student.
SITE SPECIFIC WORK – CASE STUDY
YEAR 11 & 12 Visual Arts/Visual Design/Design and Technology
“Let them Feel the Light” is a site-specific artwork designed by accomplished Australian artist Emma Coulter for Yarrila Place, located at the entrance to YAM. Join our Programs Facilitator – Education to learn about the artist’s practice in developing a site-specific artwork from concept to installation. Student will have the opportunity to design their own site-specific artwork.
Years: 11 & 12
Curriculum: Visual Arts/Visual Design/Design and Technology
Time: 1.5 hours (theory plus practical activity)
Costs apply per student.
WEEKENDS at YAM
Weekends are designed for kids and families to visit YAM. Free self-led activities are available to keep kids engaged and entertained. There’s lots to see and do in The Workshop.
FREE all welcome
No bookings required
School Visits FAQ
Bookings are required for all school groups, whether on a self-guided visit or participating in a facilitated program. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance. Programs can be designed to meet the learning needs of your students.
Self-led visits (General Admissions) are free and include access to all our permanent exhibitions. Charges apply for educator-led programs, guided tours, activities and special exhibitions.
Tours and activities can be designed to accommodate curriculum outcomes and classroom learning. Disadvantaged schools can apply for reduced fees.
YAM is open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm
Monday by appointment only. Early entry may be organised for school groups if required and organised prior to the visit.
Yaamanga around here is a permanent exhibition and will not change. The other YAM spaces will have changing exhibitions, from local and regional artists to national touring shows. Please visit the What’s On page for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Students and children must be accompanied by a teacher or supervisor. Student behaviour is the responsibility of teachers and supervisors.
The following ratios are recommended for school-aged children:
- Preschool: 1 adult to 5 students
- Years K-6: 1 adult to 10 students
- Years 7-12 and tertiary: 1 adult to 15 students
- Students with additional needs: 1 adult to 1 student
Sorry no food and drinks are allowed in YAM spaces. All food and drink to be consumed outside in the atrium or outside under the fig tree.
After your booking has been confirmed, the Programs – Education Facilitator will be in contact with you at least one week prior to your visit to finalise your numbers and requirements. Payment is based on the final number confirmed.
After you have confirmed your numbers, a tax invoice will be issued and should be paid within 14 days from date of issue. Payment processes may vary for special exhibitions.
You are permitted to take photos and videos in our permanent exhibitions unless stated otherwise. Restrictions may apply to temporary exhibitions. Please ensure that your camera flash is turned off when photographing artworks and objects. All photos and videos must be for personal use only.
Bag storage is available for pre-booked school groups near the YAM entrance and student amenities. We encourage you to bring only what is essential for your visit. Small bags for medication or lunch are recommended. Please do not bring valuable items.
We encourage all groups of 30 or more people to split into smaller groups within the exhibition spaces. Please be mindful of others who may need to use the space, such as people in wheelchairs or those who have other mobility aids.