School children throughout Cornwall have been benefiting from the National Maritime Museum Cornwall's Education Outreach Programme.

The programme, which is supported by the Ernest Cook Trust, is designed to take the learning opportunities and resources available at the museum out to schools that would otherwise be unable to access them.

The current workshop being offered through the programme is the Voyage of the Mystery, a little known story of Cornish fishermen and a Cornish fishing boat, the Mystery' and its remarkable voyage around the world. This powerful and inspirational story is performed by actors from the Cornish Theatre Collective and enables children aged from five to eleven to access and celebrate the unique heritage of Cornwall.

This production has been endorsed by the Local Education Authority through its Sense of Place initiative and supports the Key Stage One history, geography and literacy programme. Children learn through handling objects, seeing real and replica costume, role-playing and taking part in challenging activities.

Education Manager, Stuart Slade says: "Here at the Maritime Museum all our performers are committed to giving children an unforgettable experience which will introduce them to the cultural treasures that the museum has to offer."

Mary Henderson, from St Ives Infant School says: "The travel costs can often stop schools going on visits. This way the school can still benefit from the Museum and work with them on more than one occasion. And it's exciting for the children!"

Due to the success and popularity of Voyage of the Mystery the Maritime Museum is expanding the outreach programme to offer a second living history performance entitled Hevva! Hevva! This interactive workshop celebrates the skills, language and life of Cornish pilchard fishers in the 1870s.

The Education Outreach Programme is available to schools throughout Cornwall. For booking and planning advice please call Stuart Slade on 01326 214532 or email education@nmmc.co.uk.