Education at BFI IMAX - Learning beyond the classroom
Your pupils will love the biggest screen in the UK… You'll love that they're learning!
Give your class an unforgettable learning experience on Britain's biggest screen. Pick an IMAX film, and book a visit for your class – film showings during term time usually start at 10:30am or 11:45am, but other times can also be arranged. Alternatively, you can schedule a screening of a full-length feature film.
Benefits of school trips to the BFI IMAX London include:
- Screenings at a time that suits you
- A wide range of stunning IMAX documentary films, prices from only £5* per pupil
- One free teacher ticket per 10 pupils
- Fully curriculum-linked for key stages 1-4
- Films narrated by David Attenborough, Morgan Freeman, Judy Dench, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many more
- Free downloadable resources to support the films
- Free risk assessment
- Free planning tickets to come and visit the BFI IMAX
- Straightforward to plan and safe for your pupils
If you can’t find what you are looking for, please download our FAQ or contact us if you
have any other questions.
To book call BFI IMAX Education Team on 020 7960 3120 or email imax.education@odeonuk.com .
*Price valid for school term time visits only. Prices vary during school holidays, please see our pricing table for further information.
Pricing
Educational Documentaries
Pricing
We welcome teachers to come and visit the BFI IMAX to see the screen, location and facilities. Please ask when booking to arrange a convenient time.
If you would like to book or enquire about a screening and availability, email us at imax.education@odeonuk.com to arrange your trip.
| Traditional IMAX - Documentary and Educational Films | |
|---|---|
| Ticket Type | Price* (Term Time) |
| Student | £5.00 |
| Teacher (per 10 Pupils) | Free |
| Additional Teacher | £6.95 |
*Price valid for school term time visits only.
How to book:
When booking, please have the following information to hand: film title; preferred date and time; group leader’s name, school name and address plus a contact name and number; number of students plus the number of teachers.
We do not post out tickets; you can pick them up at the BFI IMAX on arrival.
For your screening to be closed to the public we require the booking to be for at least 150 guests. For groups under 150, we will still be able to screen the film of your choice, provided the group is larger than 30, however the screening will also be available to the public. Groups of less than 30 are welcome to attend any of our scheduled education screenings.
Full Length Feature
Pricing
We welcome teachers to come and visit the BFI IMAX to see the screen, location and facilities. Please ask when booking to arrange a convenient time.
If you would like to book or enquire about a screening, availability and pricing, email us at imax.education@odeonuk.com to arrange your trip.
How to book:
When booking, please have the following information to hand: film title; preferred date and time; group leader’s name, school name and address plus a contact name and number; number of students plus the number of teachers.
We do not post out tickets; you can pick them up at the BFI IMAX on arrival.
For your screening to be closed to the public we require the booking to be for at least 150 guests. For groups under 150, we will still be able to screen the film of your choice, provided the group is larger than 30, however the screening will also be available to the public. Groups of less than 30 are welcome to attend any of our scheduled education screenings.
By Coach
Getting here by coach
The BFI IMAX is located on London Southbank, right next to Waterloo Bridge, near Waterloo Station.
Coaches can park on the slip road underneath Waterloo Bridge, less than five minutes' walk from the cinema.
The cinema is 5 minutes’ walk from Waterloo Station.
Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, London, SE1 8XR
By Car
Getting here by car
The BFI IMAX is located on London Southbank, right next to Waterloo Bridge, near Waterloo Station.
Cars can park at the Euro car park sites available
- Under the National Theatre (off Upper Ground),
- Under the Hayward Gallery
- In front of the Shell Centre.
The BFI IMAX is within the Congestion Charge zone.
Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, London, SE1 8XR
By Tube/Train
Getting here by tube/train
The BFI IMAX is located on London Southbank, right next to Waterloo Bridge, near Waterloo Station.
The nearest tube stations are:
- Waterloo,
- Embankment (Cross Hungerford Bridge to Southbank)
- Charing Cross (Cross Hungerford Bridge to Southbank)
The nearest train stations are:
- Waterloo
- Charing Cross (Cross Hungerford Bridge to Southbank)
Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, London, SE1 8XR
By Foot
Getting here by foot
The BFI IMAX is located on London Southbank, right next to Waterloo Bridge, near Waterloo Station.
There are four underpass entrances around the roundabout on which the cinema sits, which all lead to the front entrance of the BFI IMAX.
Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, London, SE1 8XR
By Bus
Getting here by bus
The BFI IMAX is located on London Southbank, right next to Waterloo Bridge, near Waterloo Station.
The area is served by bus routes:
- 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77
- 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188
- 211, 243, 341, 381,507, 521
- RV1
Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, London, SE1 8XR
Food and Drink
Food and Drink
For just £1.50, pupils can buy a Schools Mix popcorn (sweet or salted) and bottle of water on the day of their visit. Please note orders must be placed in advance when making your booking.
We also sell a range of snacks including popcorn, ice-cream, chocolates and drinks, and there is a Costa coffee shop on the ground floor.
We have an area on the first floor where pupils can eat packed lunches (subject to availability; please ask a member of the team when making your booking).
You are welcome to take snacks and drinks into the auditorium, but please help us keep the cinema tidy by taking all litter out with you.
Accessibility
Accessibility
The cinema is fully wheelchair-accessible. There are two wheelchair spaces in the auditorium, and we can make up to eight spaces available on request. Disabled toilets are located on the ground floor, first floor, and fourth floor.
‘We also offer a hearing loop system, please ask a member of the team when making your booking.
Lockers and Lost Property
Lockers and Lost property
Unfortunately we do not have lockers on site, so please ensure pupils keep belongings with them at all times.
All lost property is kept in the security office – please ask a member of staff for details.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
To make your visit as safe and as rewarding as possible, we have put together a comprehensive risk assessment , so you don’t have to! Download our free risk assessment.
There is always a qualified first aider on duty during opening hours. We have several first aid points within the cinema, including at all the concession points, the ticket desk, and in the auditorium. There is a hospital nearby with Accident and Emergency services.
We always have a security guard on site who patrols the building regularly and can deal with minor incidents.
(U) 40 mins
Amazing Mighty Micro Monsters
Super powers exist. Right here on Earth. And they are in the last place you would expect to look; beneath our feet. They include beetles that shoot chemical fire and lift enormous weights; scorpions that glow in the dark with astonishing crushing powers; spiders that can make themselves virtually invisible and hypnotise their prey; even a bug that can transform itself into another creature entirely.
Prepare to be amazed in this 3D giant screen adventure narrated by David Attenborough as we explore the incredible hidden world of the super-powered bugs.
Key Stage 1-3: Science, English
Expand allScience: identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats
English: acquiring new vocabulary in context
Science: classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialist vocabulary
Science: interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem
English: drawing on new vocabulary from listening
(PG) 40 mins
Mysteries Of China
MYSTERIES OF CHINA captures one of the great archaeological events of the modern age, telling the story of ancient China, the First Emperor, and the literal foundation of the China we know today.
The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of the First Emperor offers a unique time capsule into the past, revealing many things about this great country, which we use to tell a larger story of the growth of China into a true superpower.
Key Stage 1-3: History, Geography
Expand allHistory: learn about significant historical places
Geography: name and locate the world’s continents
History: the achievements of the earliest civilizations
Geography: human geography
History: a significant society in world history and its interconnections with other world developments
Geography: international development
(U) 43 mins
A Beautiful Planet
A BEAUTIFUL PLANET is a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, providing a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before.
Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence the film presents an awe-inspiring glimpse of Earth and a hopeful look into the future of humanity. From space, Earth blazes at night with the electric intensity of human expansion - a direct visualization of our changing world.
Key Stage 1-3: Science, Geography and Art
Expand allScience: describe how different habitats on earth provide for the needs of animals and plants
Geography: use basic geographical vocabulary to describe key human and physical features of earth
Science: the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun in the solar system
Geography: characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant physical features
Art: visual stimulation, working from nature
Science: earth and atmosphere
Geography: understand how human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes, environments and the climate
(U) 43 mins
America Wild: National Parks Adventure
AMERICA WILD: NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE takes audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation's awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness.
Immersive IMAX® 3D takes viewers soaring over red rock canyons, hurtling up craggy mountain peaks and into other-worldly realms found within America’s most legendary outdoor playgrounds, including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park and Yosemite.
Key Stage 1-4:
English, Art, Geography and Science
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Art: visual stimulation, working from nature
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Art: visual stimulation, working from nature
Geography: meteorology
Science: earth sciences, physical sciences
Geography: meteorology
Science: earth sciences, physical sciences
Living In The Age Of Airplanes
(U) 47 mins
Filmed in 18 countries across all 7 continents, 'Living In The Age Of Airplanes' explores the countless ways the airplane affects our lives (even when we don’t fly). With a fascinating take on history, breathtaking visuals, soaring music, and a truly unique perspective.
D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944
(PG) 43 mins
June 6, 1944: The largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France. Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world.
Island Of Lemurs: Madagascar
(U) 39mins
Captured with IMAX® 3D cameras, 'Island of Lemurs: Madagascar' takes audiences on a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar.
Jerusalem 3D
(U) 45 mins
Giant screen film adventure soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City. Experience as never before the iconic sites of Jerusalem, cherished by billions.
Key Stage 1-4:
English, Maths, History, Geography, Art, Design and Technology
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Maths: speed, distance.
History: early pioneers of flight
Geography: mapping
Art: seeing the world anew
Design and Technology: development of new materials
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Maths: speed, distance.
History: early pioneers of flight
Geography: mapping
Art: seeing the world anew
Design and Technology: development of new materials
IT: air traffic control
Science: physics of motion, flight
History: aviation development
Geography: cultural and trade exchange, ecology, food transport, air miles
IT: air traffic control
Science: physics of motion, flight
History: aviation development
Geography: cultural and trade exchange, ecology, food transport, air miles
Key Stage 3-4:
English, Science, History,Geography, Design & technology, Citizenship/RE
[NB: Not suitable for KS 1/2. Graphic depictions of dying soldiers]
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Science: logistics, transport
History: 2nd World War
Geography: mapping
Design and Technology: design of weaponry
Citizenship/RE: morality of killing
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Science: logistics, transport
History: 2nd World War
Geography: mapping
Design and Technology: design of weaponry
Citizenship/RE: morality of killing
Key Stage 2-3:
English, Science, Maths, Design & Technology and Geography
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Design and Technology/Biology: advantage of opposable thumbs
Geography: mapping
English: reading, writing, acquiring specialised vocabulary
Design and Technology/Biology: advantage of opposable thumbs
Geography: mapping
Science: animal migration
History: colonialism
Geography: ecology, habitat, agriculture
Science: animal migration
History: colonialism
Geography: ecology, habitat, agriculture
Key Stage 1-4:
Geography, History, RE
Expand all
Geography
History
RE: Christianity, Judaism, Islam
Geography
History
RE: Christianity, Judaism, Islam
RE
RE
Flight of the Butterflies
(U) 45 mins
An interconnected scientific adventure story about the remarkable Monarch butterfly migration.
Wild Safari 3D: A South African Adventure
(U) 49 mins
3,000 mile journey through the African savanna in search of the continent’s most dangerous animals.
A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures
(U) 43 mins
Sammy the sea turtle embarks on an epic journey across the oceans, dodging dangers with the help of his buddy Ray.
Fly Me to the Moon 3D
(U) 51 mins
Combines the story of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon with the whimsical tale of three tween-aged flies.
Key Stage 1-4:
English, Science, Geography
English
Science
Geography
English
Science
Geography
Science
Geography
Science
Key Stage 1-2:
Geography, Science, Citizenship, English
Geography
Science
Citizenship
English
Geography
Science
Citizenship
English
Key Stage 1-2:
English, Maths, Science, Citizenship
English
Maths
Science
Citizenship
Science
Citizenship
Geography
Penguins 3D
(TBC) 39 mins
Narrated by David Attenborough, follow the journey of a special King Penguin who returns to his birthplace in the sub-Antarctic, home to hundreds of albatrosses, fur seals and six million penguins.
Under the Sea 3D
(U) 45 mins
New IMAX 3D adventure transporting you to some of the most exotic undersea locations on Earth.
Born to be Wild 3D
(U) 45 mins
An inspired story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals.
To the Arctic 3D
(U) 40 mins
Narrated by Meryl Streep, take a journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness.
Key Stage 1-3:
Geography, Science, Citizenship
Science
Geography
Citizenship
Science
Geography
Citizenship
Science
Geography
Key Stage 1-2:
Geography, Science, Citenzenship
Geography
Science
Citizenship
Geography
Science
Citizenship
Key Stage 1-3:
English, Science, Citizenship, Geography
English
Science
Citizenship
Geography
English
Science
Citizenship
Geography
Science
Geography
Key Stage 1-3:
Geography, Science, Citizenship
Geography
Science
Citizenship
Geography
Science
Citizenship
Science
Geography
African Adventure 3D: Safari in the Okavango
(U) 41 mins
Offers viewers the ultimate giantscreen 3D adventure of going on a photo safari in the Okavango Delta.
Mysteries of Egypt
(U) 43 mins
Transporting audiences to a distant time and place where the Nile River Valley cuts an emerald swath through the desert sands.
Key Stage 1-3:
English, Science, Citizenship, Geography
English
Science
Citizenship
Geography
Science
Citizenship
Geography
Science
Geography
Space Station 3D
(U) 52 mins
Telling the amazing story of the in orbit assembly of the International Space station as it travels 220 miles above the Earth at 17,500mph.
Hubble 3D
(U) 40 mins
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble takes you on a voyage through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mystery of our celestial surroundings.
Dinosaurs Alive 3D
(PG) 40 mins
A global adventure of science and discovery - featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period, to the monsters of the Cretaceous.
Key Stage 1-4:
D&T, ICT, Science, Citizenship
Design & Technology
Citizenship
Science
Design & Technology
ICT
Citizenship
Science
Science
Key Stage 1-4:
English, Science, D&T, ICT, Citizenship
English
Design & Technology
ICT
Citizenship
English
Science
Design & Technology
ICT
Citizenship
Science
Science
"I have been teaching and booking school trips for over ten years and you have made this process so friendly, quick & easy"
Nicola Young, Orion Primary School
"Coming to the IMAX was the highlight of our media trip to London. It showed the amazing possibilities of cinema. It was a wonderfully welcoming environment and a great experience for all - hopefully inspiring some future film makers!"
Vicky Dennett, Media teacher, Bennett Memorial School
"What a wonderful documentary. We really enjoyed ‘Jerusalem’. I have visited Jerusalem before and this documentary was the next best thing to actually visiting the city; it was very useful for our Year 8s to have experienced this. Please also pass on our thanks to your staff who made our visit so smooth and pleasant."
Fr Andrew, Salesian School
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