The PK Trust has also developed an acclaimed learning programme targeting school age children. The Education Programme reaches out to over 1,500 school children a year throughout Cornwall and beyond. By helping children access and understand science through exciting science projects outside the class room, we aim to educate, excite and stimulate an interest and understanding of science and its practical applications. Through our dedicated Education Officer (part funded by Penwith Council) we offer a tailored programmed of education activities linked to the National Curriculum, plugging a gap in the provision of hands-on physical science based education in Cornwall – part of the core National Curriculum. The Museum attracts school visits from throughout Cornwall as well as visiting schools from across the country. Using hands-on exhibits children are encouraged to discover how our understanding of science has helped communications develop and the impact that has had on culture and societies around the world. Outreach With numerous pockets of deprivation as well as challenges associated with a dispersed rural population, education in Cornwall faces some specific challenges. To help combat rural isolation, overcome obstacles of cost, restrictions on the numbers of school visits allowed during the year and address the needs of one of the most deprived counties in the UK, the Education Programme also operates an outreach programme. The success of a trial partnership with @Bristol (taking mobile science education ‘road shows’ into schools) has led to the funding through the EC-SITE programme to extend this work. In 2007/8, in partnership with INTEC and @Bristol, Porthcurno Telegraph Museum will develop and implement a 6 month outreach programme in schools across the South West. In recognition of the important role that the Museum’s Education Programme plays, Penwith District Council has named Porthcurno Museum as one of its strategic partners. Recognising the skills and expertise demonstrated through the Education Programme at Porthcurno, the Royal Cornwall Museum (as the hub Museum for Cornwall) has formed a partnership to help share our expertise with other museums. Our education Officer now works one day a week helping to support the development of education and learning in independent museums throughout Cornwall.