Free School Visits to Helios

Step inside and explore the Sun like never before.

Wakefield district schools are invited to experience Helios, a large-scale artwork by artist Luke Jerram, at Wakefield Exchange.

This immersive installation is a glowing 6-metre sphere, featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Sun’s surface. At an approximate scale of 1:200 million, every centimetre reveals 2,000km of the Sun, bringing science vividly to life. The experience is accompanied by an immersive soundscape by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.

We are offering a range of free opportunities for schools to take part!

  • Sun, Sustainability & Design Workshop
  • Self-Led Visits (all Key Stages)
  • School Day Under the Sun (Takeover Days)
  • SEND-Friendly Sessions

Travel Support

A limited number of travel bursaries (up to £250) are available for Wakefield district schools to support transport costs. Schools are responsible for arranging their own travel.

How to Book

To book your visit to Helios, please email: ouryearschools@wakefield.gov.uk

This programme is funded with support from West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

In your email, include:

  • The type of experience you’re interested in (workshop, self-led visit, takeover day, or SEND session)
  • Your preferred date(s) and time(s)
  • Number of pupils and year group

We’ll then send you a booking form to complete and confirm your place.

Book Now

Sun, Sustainability & Design Workshops

An exciting, hands-on session delivered by BIFFA, working in partnership with Wakefield Council, where pupils in KS1-KS2 become solar scientists, designers and problem-solvers.

Pupils will:

  • Experience Helios up close
  • Explore how the Sun powers our planet
  • Work in teams to design a sustainable city
  • Create solar- inspired sculptures using recycled materials

Curriculum links:

  • Science: light, energy, the Sun
  • Geography: sustainability, climate, resources
  • Design & Technology/Art: making, creativity, problem-solving

Dates (10 workshops available, max 30 pupils):

  • Wednesday 24 June (10am-11:30am / 1pm-2:30pm)
  • Thursday 25 June (10am-11:30am / 1pm-2:30pm)
  • Wednesday 1 July (10am-11:30am / 1pm-2:30pm)
  • Thursday 2 July (10am-11:30am / 1pm-2:30pm)
  • Friday 3 July (10am-11:30am / 1pm-2:30pm)

School Day Under the Sun Takeover Days

Transform your school day into a unique learning experience beneath the Sun.

Includes:

  • A whole day beneath Helios
  • Artist-led creative activity
  • Physical/wellbeing session run by Wakefield council Well-Being Team
  • Space to run your own lessons in a new environment
  • Tables, chairs and materials provided
  • Schools to bring their own packed lunches

Co-designed with teachers, blending facilitated and self-led learning with prompts to link learning to Helioss.

Up to 60 pupils (two classes) on each day available. 

Dates: Monday 15 June & Monday 29 June

Self-Led Visits

Bring your class to explore Helios at your own pace.

  • Available to all key stages
  • Flexible timings (see dates below)
  • Optional self-led resources provided

Dates Available: 

  • Wednesday 24 June
  • Thursday 25 June
  • Friday 26 June
  • Wednesday 1 July
  • Thursday 2 July
  • Friday 3 July
  • Wednesday 15 July 
  • Thursday 16 July
  • Friday 17 July

SEND-friendly Sessions

A calm, flexible and inclusive way to experience Helios.

Sessions are:

  • Designed for smaller groups (approx. 12 pupils)
  • Sensory-aware and low-pressure
  • Flexible and responsive to individual needs

Activities will include sensory exploration, movement, creative responses and quiet observation.

Dates:

  • Tuesday 16 June – Morning
  • Tuesday 30 June – Morning or afternoon
  • Tuesday 14 July – Morning or afternoon