At Key Stage 2 pupils will begin to adopt a more sophisticated approach to the core and foundation subjects.
In History, the requirement to study topics such as the Anglo-Saxon and Scots invasions and the Viking and Roman occupations creates many opportunities for school trips to some of the most important historical sites in the world, and a great variety of brilliant museums. There will always be a venue close by!
History trips can also be used in KS2 to develop pupils' 'use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge', one of the aims of the KS2 Geography curriculum. Such activities could also be linked to the national curriculum requirement to 'take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team'.
But there are many other options for accessing imaginative and challenging activities from specialist providers. Some schools also like to organise short residential visits at for pupils at KS2 level to give classes a taster of new activities and team-working away from usual environments and families.
Compton Verney House is an 18th-century country mansion at Compton Verney near Kineton (between Stratford-upon-Avon and Banbury) which has been converted into the Compton Verney Art Gallery.
Visitors of all ages are warmly welcomed to Warwickshire’s award-winning art gallery, housed in a Grade I listed mansion and surrounded by 120 acres of stunning 'Capability' Brown parkland.
Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her favourite things, this house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'.
Minchinhampton Common is a large swathe of open grassland on the hill top and slopes of the Cotswold escarpment. It is a really important archaeological landscape, with prehistoric field systems, burial mounds and the remains of a defensive earthwork, known as The Bulwarks. In the summer the common is grazed by local commoners' cattle.
It’s fair to say that Melford Hall has had its share of trials and tribulations, but it’s thanks to many generations from medieval monks to the Hyde Parker family who still live here, that this home still stands.
In the early 19th century Joseph Williamson (1769-1840), a Liverpool businessman known as the Mole of Edge Hill, paid for a vast network of tunnels to be constructed, probably to provide employment for the poor of the area.
J M Barrie (1860-1937), the creator of much-loved character Peter Pan and a celebrated novelist and dramatist, was born in this two-storied house on 9 May. School visits are welcome by appointment.
Join us in the historic Potteries: take a tour of our atmospheric Victorian factory, see our beautiful wares being made, then try your hand at decorating your own pot in our studio. Relax in the cafe, wander in the walled garden, then shop for factory seconds or delightful gifts.
Factory Tours
The Orange Tree Theatre is a 172-seat theatre which was built specifically as a theatre in the round. It is housed within a disused 1867 primary school, built in Victorian Gothic style.
Clarence Pier Southsea is one of the largest amusement parks on the south coast and boasts all manner of amusements, rides and activities for all the family.
The Arcades and Pirate Pete's Indoor Adventure Playground are open all year. We also have plenty of food and drink outlets including our 100 seat Wimpy Express fast food restaurant.
We look forward to entertaining you!
Established in 1986, Newry and Mourne Museum aims to provide a dynamic and inclusive recreational and educational resource reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the local area. The Museum is located at Bagenal's Castle, an early example of a defended residence.
Rediscovered in 1996, Bagenal's Castle survived enveloped in the premises of the former McCann's Bakery on Abbey Way. The rediscovery has been an exciting opportunity for Newry and Mourne to preserve and restore one of the most important aspects of local heritage.
Charlecote has been home to the Lucy family since the 12th century. Their stories are told throughout the house with their portraits as well as through the objects they collected from around the world. See the design influence they had on the house and parkland. Step into the house today and you will see how Mary Elizabeth Lucy spared no expense furnishing it in Victorian times.
Kirkleatham Owl Centre is home to one of the U.K.'s largest collection of owls. Located in the historic and tranquil village of Kirkleatham in the grounds of Kirkleatham Old Hall (Grade 2 Listed Building).
The ruins of Balmerino Abbey are a fine example of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery. The Abbey was founded in 1229, and became a dwelling house of the lords Balmerino after secularisation in 1603.
School groups are welcome by arrangement through Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse. Talks can be arranged on history, crafts and wild herbs, as used by the monks.
Opened in 1831, Dublin Zoo is one of the world's oldest and most popular zoos. It has been transformed in recent decades into a 28 hectare park of gardens, lakes and wonderful natural habitats for over 400 animals.
Many are rare species and their survival in the wild is under threat so many of our animals are part of international breeding programmes for endangered species.
Situated just to the north of Liverpool, Crosby Beach is now the permanent home to ‘Another Place’, the sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist, Antony Gormley. The beach has been awarded the Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy. The QCA award tells visitors that the standards of beach management are of the highest quality in the UK.
700-year-old home of Elizabethan seafarers Drake and Grenville.
In the 13th century, Buckland Abbey was home to the Cistercian monks who built the abbey and the incredible Great Barn and farmed the then vast estate.
Welcome to Exeter Cathedral, one of the great cathedrals of England, and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere. This is a very exciting time in the life of the Cathedral; a time of development and change as we work hard to improve facilities and the experience people have when they visit.
The name Parliament Piece is believed to relate to Henry III's parliament, which met in Kenilworth in 1266. There is, however, no evidence that the site was actually used by the parliament. The pond and other depressions are probably the remains of old marl or clay pits.
Today, Witley Court is a large and impressive ruin, but 100 years ago it was in spectacular condition.
The rich industrialist Sir Herbert Smith bought the house in 1920 and lived there for 17 years until a devastating fire broke out in September 1937 while he was away.
The historic Linacre Reservoirs provide the perfect setting for a quiet, relaxing day out. A network of trails and footpaths crisscross the valley. Visitors can explore ancient beech and oak woodlands or follow the course of the Holme Brook as it cascades down the valley.
Unspoilt, rolling hills – that’s what you will discover at Burton Dassett Hills. Whether you are walking, flying a kite or just sitting in your car, the magnificent views from these hills are breathtaking.
The site comprises a series of rugged hilltops affording spectacular views in all directions and Fox Covert, a small woodland with a surfaced footpath.
Home to a wide range of animals from across the world. These animals include many charismatic and exciting species like meerkats, lemurs and otters. The Centre has a wide collection of endangered reptiles.
The Cathedral is open to visitors every day from 8.30 a.m.to 6.00 p.m. throughout the year. Entry is free but we suggest a donation of £3.00 per adult and 50p per child. Visitors are welcome to look around the Cathedral on their own. A free introductory leaflet is available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Polish.
Amazona Zoo is one of Norfolk’s most fun days out and provides a full day of action-packed adventure and discovery for the whole family.
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.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.