History
History
History tells stories about people, places and things to help explain to young people of any age why the world is as it is as they grow up and begin to question it.
Schools will choose different periods and settings and topics to cove during different Key Stages, but all of them are pretty well guaranteed to be rooted in actual places that can be visited, explored and enjoyed.
It has been a curious fact that for many years primary classes have studied the Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods, while secondary school syllabuses have been more engaged in post-medieval periods. For a while secondary courses involved a great deal of ‘topic work’. While this discipline still exists, the recent examination syllabuses have returned to an emphasis on historical periods and links.
But all periods and topics provide fantastic opportunities for school visits. We are so lucky that so many general and specialist museums and visitor centres exist in the UK. The problem is not a shortage of possibilities but how one sifts through the available opportunities to make choices.
The Historical Association website carries information about course, conferences, study tours, and the Association has published ‘The Historian’ magazine for many years. Handsam is also happy to help, please contact us on 03332 070737 or email info@schooltripsadvisor.org.uk.
Most venues will have teaching materials and activities geared to students’ different ages and aptitudes whether at primary or secondary level. All of them will set out to develop students’ ability to understand, analyse and evaluate key features and characteristics of historical periods and events studied.
Some venues will be easy to identify because they fit neatly with the period and topic being studied but others may offer new possibilities, not least to the teachers themselves. Teachers need and deserve their own stimulation.
Over the next four years there will be an upsurge in visits to the First World War battlefields. Because of this there will be an increase in companies offering visits and requirement for battlefield guides, especially in northern France and Belgium. There are bound to be discrepancies in guides’ knowledge and experience. Close research into the credentials of the company you are contracting with, and the company’s guarantees about guides, will ensure that your group will not be disappointed.
Main organisations:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Inclusion: NASEN
Thought of visiting?
Roman Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum at Hadrian’s Wall
Viriconium, Wroxeter, Shropshire
The Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Offa’s Dyke Trail and Chirk Castle
The National Trust for Scotland
Clan Donald Visitor Centre, Isle of Skye
Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre
Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
Exeter Cathedral Education Centre
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
The Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth
East Anglia Railway Museum, Colchester
The National Tramway Museum, Matlock
Venues for this Curriculum
Explore HMS Belfast’s nine decks to discover the stories of life on board this warship during Arctic convoys, D-Day and beyond.
14th-century moated gatehouse and beautiful gardens
Built by John de Haudlo and once part of a fortified manor house, set in gardens. Discover seven centuries of history on one of our guided tours. 2012 marked the 700th birthday of this amazing tower.
Give your students an inspirational day out they’ll never forget
Madame Tussauds San Francisco combines the glitter and glamor of the world's most famous faces with an interactive educational experience.
Your students will get to go back to the era that shaped this city and meet the people involved - all in fully-immersive, interactive sets.
School can be fun!
What makes the Madame Tussauds Berlin as extracurricular learning place so special? It offers exciting and educational school trips that combine learning and fun.
Madame Tussauds is interactive nowadays. As part of an interactive exhibition you can test your theoretical knowledge live here at the Madame Tussauds Berlin.
17th-century farmhouse in beautiful Coverdale
A 17th-century tenanted farmhouse in beautiful Coverdale. The hall, sitting room and carved staircase are on show to visitors.
Dynasty Death and Discovery
More than 500 years after the death of the last English king to die in battle, the story of one of history’s most controversial monarchs has been brought to life once again in a stunning new visitor centre.
Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Robin Hood country? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun Trails show you the most interesting, historical and scenic locations. Enjoy a fun walk in the fresh air and solve the clues along the way.
Robin Hood’s Major Oak Treasure Trail is a fantastic way to explore.
Outstanding 14th-century manor house and 18th-century terraced garden
Home to the lords of the manor of Clevedon for centuries, the core of the house is a remarkable survival from the medieval period.
The house was purchased by Abraham Elton in 1709 and it is still the much-loved family home of his descendants today.
Explore the striking display of Eltonware pottery and a fascinating collection of Nailsea glass.
Fotheringhay Castle played a key role in the Tudor era, being the birthplace of a king, the site of the execution of a pretender ot the throne and then being destroyed by yet another.
The Worcester Treasure Trail is ideal for getting the kids out exploring whilst trying to solve a mystery treasure hunt.
The answers to the clues are located on existing monuments, buildings and structures: some are easy to find, some are a little bit trickier!
An imposing 18th century building set in 180 acres of grounds that were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Hall open for events and exhibitions during spring and summer. The parkland is open throughout the year and free to visit.
Himley Hall and Park is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, with stunning grounds where there is always something to see and enjoy.
David Attenborough described the Museum as "A delightful and remarkable museum, a jewel."
The Museum stands in the heart of the town, just where the beautiful coastlines of Dorset and Devon meet. The building has great idiosyncratic charm. Built in 1900-01 by Thomas Philpot, it was restored and extended in 1991.
Manchester Central is an award-winning venue in the heart of one of Europe's most vibrant cities. Its vaulted arches and station clock have made Manchester Central an iconic city feature for over 130 years.
The Gallery is a modern exhibition space designed to display material from the most important galleries, museums and private collections in the country.
St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and is Wales's most popular heritage attraction. The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth.
Edgbaston is the home of the Warwickshire County Cricket Club Museum.
The Birmingham test match venue has hosted Warwickshire matches for more than 100 years and has seen the greats of international and county cricket grace its playing field.
A new standard in the provision of learning outside the classroom, including a £1m high-adrenaline activity park
This is the largest Kingswood centre, accommodating 630 young people in a mix of en-suite and standard multi-bedded rooms.
It has an all weather centre with an impressive 25,000 sq ft sports hall and heated indoor swimming pool.
History on a grand scale - from knights and wizards to gunpowder plotters and passionate collectors
Alnwick Castle is brimming with history to be discovered, offering a range of activities and tours for groups and school visits alike, as well as a host of group benefits.
The castle has provided the backdrop for many famous films and TV series such as Blackadder, Downton Abbey and of course Harry Potter.
School Trips
Visitors can trace the story of the Cotswolds from Prehistory to the late 19th Century, with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a wealth of precious artefacts. There are animated and practical games, and audio-visual screens to bring the past to life for everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents.
A unique experience: two treasure hunt style walks of discovery to keep the whole family intrigued and amused. Keep the kids happy answering clues and matching pictures, whilst reading stories about this famous ‘City of Legends’. Buy the booklet from our website and explore in your own time.
The 45-minute tours of the Royal Mews are led by the Wardens, dressed in their striking red and navy livery, and depart at regular intervals throughout the day at the start of the visit.
An enchanting and inspiring journey through Norwich’s past
This museum is a real treat. Beautifully composed displays lead you through a series of rooms on two floors that circle the courtyard of this historic building. As well as a clear time-line of the city’s dramatic history you’re introduced to Norwich people of all kinds in displays peppered with insights and anecdotes.
Remains of Roman civilian town, an archaeologist’s paradise!
Tribal capital of the Silures (Venta Silurum) - impressive fourth-century walls standing up to 17 feet (5.2m) high. Excavated houses, forum-basilica and a Romano-British temple also remain.
The West Gate barns area provides car parking, level access to toilet facilities and interpretation panels.
Among the most outstanding Roman villa survivals in Britain, Lullingstone provides a unique all weather school visit.
Set in the attractive surroundings of the Darent Valley in Kent, the villa was begun in about AD 100, and developed to suit the tastes and beliefs of successive wealthy owners, reaching its peak of luxury in the mid-4th century.
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