Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons is one of the most mentioned sites in Welsh folklore. It is a site of international conservation importance.
Science
Science
The teaching and learning of science can take many forms due to the large number of branches of the discipline, but all of them involve a large element of doing things, of experimenting, of making and breaking, of trying out new ideas, whether at primary or secondary level. This has been appreciated by museums and visitors centres, so that we now have a plethora of possibilities.
The Association for Science Education is the lead body helping schools to develop their teaching and learning. It offers support for primary and secondary science subject leaders, teachers and schools, and keeps schools abreast of curriculum and assessment changes and reforms. The Association aims to enrich science teaching and learning with free resources, which can be found at: www.schoolscience.co.uk
Some venues are obviously specifically suitable for science groups, but others, which are more cross-curricular, are less obvious. Below we give staff a pointer to these as well as making it easy to access the websites of the well known attractions.
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, has long been popular with British school groups. It is celebrating 60 years this year and is encouraging teachers to look at its Cern Education website.
CAT, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, is also celebrating a major birthday this year – its 40th. It is a very different experience from CERN, but fascinating nonetheless.
The announcement in April 2015 that the new SKA radiotelescope is to be built in the UK will also be a huge boost for scientists looking for projects to follow and then visit as the telescope is built in readiness for full operational capability in 2025.
We should draw your attention to the fact that farm visits are popular with primary schools and there is a growing number of farms offering excellent opportunities – from feeding animals to driving tanks. But there are some stringent health and safety rules to be observed. For advice and guidance please contact Handsam by calling 03332 070737 or emailing trips@handsam.co.uk.
Main organisations:
Association for Science Education
Membership through Handsam
Radiation Protection Officer services through Handsam
Inclusion: NASEN
Thought of visiting?
Centre for Alternative Technology
Michael Faraday Museum, London
National Conservation Centre, Liverpool
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Techniquest (various locations in Wales including Cardiff, Wrexham and Pembrokeshire)
Venues for this Curriculum
Discover a woodland wonderland full of natural wildlife. From quiet walks to action-packed family fun with laser tag and adventure play, uncover nature at its best.
Rosliston Forestry Centre lies at the heart of The National Forest, a woodland haven offering outdoor activities, family fun and a range of events throughout the year.
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress in Caernarfon, built in 1283 (it took over 1,000 more than four years to construct) by Edward I in order to stamp his authority on the rebellious Welsh.
Majestic views and peaceful walks in beautiful countryside
Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk and picnic, or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing by the tarn.
A mile-long stretch of enigmatic ancient road - probably Roman but possibly later or earlier - amid wild and beautiful moorland, still with its hard core and drainage ditches.
Varied coastal area with natural history and industrial archaeology interest
A diverse collection of coastal properties strung out along the Cleveland Way National Trail. Discover breathtaking views, the remains of industrial endeavours and a wildlife sanctuary.
Visit the Old Coastguard Station in Robin Hood's Bay village and the Ravenscar Coastal Centre to discover more about the landscape and people.
Beddgelert is undoubtedly Snowdonia’s loveliest village. A place of legend, culture and history; yet rich with activities, adventures and attractions. It is a beautiful place to visit, and an event better place to stay for a holiday.
An agricultural estate, rich in wildlife and history
The vast Ysbyty Estate lies just south of the picturesque village of Betws y Coed and is the largest single estate cared for by the National Trust.
Birthplace and family home of Sir Isaac Newton
A beautiful 20th-century masterpiece featuring colourful borders, a landscape garden and a collection of follies
Woolbeding is a modern garden of two halves, with the colour-themed garden rooms surrounding the house, plus a landscape garden. A gentle stroll over the open pasture land provides views of the River Rother and leads to the ruined abbey and on to the Chinese-style bridge and waterfall.
Please note that all visits to the gardens must be pre-booked.
Experience a landscape shaped by traditional rural life
Woolbeding Estate in West Sussex is quietly tucked away in the tranquil Rother Valley. With its wide horizons and intimate secluded places, this huge estate has an extraordinary blend of habitats.
Spectacular coastline of cliff, coves, beaches, dunes and headlands
Stretching from the rocky headland of Baggy Point at Croyde to the rugged heights of the Tors of Ilfracombe, explore the best of North Devons beautiful beaches and coastline.
Climb or coasteer on Baggy Points dramatic cliffs. Swim and surf in the shadow of dramatic hills at the popular three mile stretch of Woolacombe Beach.
Beautiful secluded wooded valley
The tranquil wooded valley contains a 'lost landscape' with remains of an 18th- and 19th-century landscape park with a chain of five lakes. Park Mill Pond is the last of these lakes and features a man-made island that is now a heronry. Large carp can also be seen in the waters.
A rich and varied landscape buzzing with wildlife
If you’re new to exploring the countryside Witley and Milford Commons is a good place to start. It’s easily accessible and the footpaths and bridleways are clearly marked, you can’t get lost. The Commons is a lovely spot for family picnics too.
An unfinished masterpiece
Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust-owned arboretum located between Godalming and Hascombe in Surrey.
Winkworth Arboretum exhibits large collections of azalea, rhododendron, and holly on slopes leading down to ornamental lakes.
Working watermill in the heart of Winchester
The City Mill is a rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill, powered by the fast-flowing River Itchen, which can be seen passing under the mill, thrilling our visitors.
Prominent landmark with fine views
The highest point in the Cranborne Chase provides panoramic views from the Isle of Wight and Purbeck Hills to Blackmore Vale and Salisbury Plain. Win Green is crowned by beech trees growing on a Bronze Age bowl barrow with a distinctive ridge around the edge. This clump of trees is visible for miles around.
The legacy of a family's passion for Victorian art and design
Wightwick Manor - haven of a romantic industrialist.
In 1937 Geoffrey Mander MP did something remarkable - he persuaded the National Trust to accept a house that was just 50 years old.
The National Trust's oldest nature reserve, and England's most famous fen
Wicken Fen, one of Europe's most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 8,500 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies.
There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along this post-industrial coastline
Only 5½ miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, this coastline stretches south from the 18th century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head.
The quiet north Gower coast with its extensive saltmarsh and dunes
North Gower is a tranquil place, for quiet enjoyment, bird watching and walking. Much of the north coast is a large expanse of saltmarsh, which is an ever-changing landscape of mudflats and tidal ditches. Along with Whiteford Burrows, it is an internationally important feeding ground for wading birds and wildfowl.
Beautiful stretch of golden sand on the North Antrim coast
The spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation.
The beach is also backed by ancient sand dunes that provide a range of rich habitats for bird and animal life.
Corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting
An 18th-century corn mill in a peaceful, rural setting. Rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, this substantial mill was extensively repaired in 1994 and still retains its original elm and applewood machinery (now too fragile to be used).
Enjoy a stroll over White Mill bridge or sit in the garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the River Stour.
Britain's first fully themed indoor family resort and amusement park. A magical world of fun, thrills and experiences for all the family. Now including the indoor Galactic Play Zone!
Pages
Featured Provider
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
Login/Sign Up
Latest News
Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.