Which type of immersive workshop fits the task?
Two workshops can both use VR while giving learners very different roles. A guided 360° video can introduce a place or viewpoint. An interactive environment can invite a learner to make choices and act on objects. An activity outside VR can help learners discuss, explain and apply what they encountered. Ask the provider to show the actual task, rather than relying on the label “immersive”.
| Format | What to inspect | Planning question |
|---|---|---|
| Guided 360° video | The scene, narration and observation prompts | What should learners notice and explain? |
| Interactive VR | The actions, choices, controls and feedback | What does the learner do, and how is that action linked to the objective? |
| Classroom or practical activity | The shared discussion, model or task | How will learners connect the experience to a real-world explanation or action? |
Ocean Quest uses an interactive marine environment, with guided reef exploration, pollution investigation and rescue or clean-up activities. Preparation and reflection connect those activities to teaching goals. Explore the product and delivery format.
How much does a school VR workshop cost?
Compare the total visit price with the number of workshops, the maximum planned group size, time available and staffing included. A headline per-pupil price can hide a very short turn or depend on filling every place. Ask whether travel, setup, hygiene, facilitator time and VAT are included.
Ocean Quest starts from £450 for a half-day: three 45-minute workshops for up to 36 learners. A full day starts from £750: six workshops for up to 72 learners. Both use six headsets and one facilitator, with school staff supporting supervision. Included travel covers 50 road miles from Manchester. Capacity, timetable, VAT treatment and the final amount payable are agreed in writing. Check current facts and package terms.
What should SEND schools ask before booking?
Discuss how each learner communicates comfort, uncertainty and a wish to stop. Plan sensory preferences, physical access, familiarisation, breaks and participation without a headset. The staff who know the learner should shape the plan. Start from the individual rather than assuming a diagnosis predicts how someone will respond.
Ocean Quest SEND planning can start with groups of 4–6 learners. Staff may include opportunities for communication, turn-taking, teamwork or decision-making, and agree how to observe participation. These are possible activity goals; improved life skills or therapeutic outcomes are not guaranteed. Review SEND activity examples.
What evidence should a provider show?
Separate three questions: did the visit happen, did participants enjoy it, and did they learn? A school report can confirm delivery. A satisfaction survey describes feedback. A learning claim needs an appropriate assessment, the participant and response counts, question wording and context.
Hollinwood Academy’s 10 July 2026 blog describes an NSUB Year 10 workshop using an ocean environment to explore plastic pollution. The University of Salford’s company case study describes technical support for NSUB’s VR development. These sources provide delivery and development context; neither establishes a universal learning effect. Inspect the case studies and evidence limits.
What could a 45-minute ocean-learning workshop look like?
This is an illustrative planning sequence, adjusted with the school before delivery:
- 10 minutes: introduce a question about plastic pollution, explain the activity and practise the controls and stop signal.
- 25 minutes: use two supported headset rotations, including transition time, with observation or discussion tasks between turns.
- 10 minutes: invite learners to explain an ocean consequence and propose one practical action.
A short question before and after the activity can check one intended understanding. Record the question and responses accurately, and avoid treating enjoyment alone as evidence of learning.
Can an organisation outside Greater Manchester work with NSUB?
Standard school visits are priced around the Manchester travel allowance. UK visits beyond that area require an agreed travel quote. International organisations can enquire about research, product development or partnership opportunities; a UK workshop package does not establish worldwide delivery availability.
For diving-simulation research or engineering, ABYSS ONE is a separate programme in development. It is not an off-the-shelf school workshop or a substitute for qualified diving instruction.
Before approving a booking
- Agree one clear learning objective and the participant group.
- Confirm the actual activity, timetable, equipment and staffing.
- Review safeguarding, DBS, insurance and the risk assessment arrangements.
- Agree comfort, accessibility, supervision and alternative participation.
- Confirm total price, travel, VAT treatment and cancellation terms in writing.
- Choose the evidence that will help you review the visit.