Key Stage 2 (8-11)

Key Stage 2 (8-11)

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. 

Suitable Venues

The most modern and spine-chilling of English Heritage’s properties, the York Cold War Bunker uncovers the secret history of Britain’s Cold War. Enter the blast-proof doors and investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage.

In active service from the 1960s–1990s the bunker was designed as a nerve-centre to monitor fall-out in the event of a nuclear attack.

Take your students on a 70 minute journey through 2000 years of York’s murky history, as our full cast of entertaining theatrical actors bring to life gripping stories of the city's most infamous characters and events - from 71 AD when the Roman's created the City to the infamous highway man Dick Turpin in 1739.

Tenpin bowling with cosmic effects and gutter guards with bowling ramps for the small ones. A great activity.

Washington Wetland Centre, set on the banks of the River Wear, is a perfect destination for every type of group. In particular, we welcome school groups of all sizes, all year round.

Get close to rare and exotic birds, mammals and different wetland habitats. Walk with a warden, bug hunt or tour the duckery. You’ll also see colourful flamingos and the rarest goose in the world!

Learn about the remarkable history of the Washington family as our experienced and friendly guides take you on a tour through the history of the Tudor and Georgian house and furnishings. Hear of the events, both fortunate and disastrous, that led George Washington’s ancestor to leave England for a new life abroad.

Our 450 acre mosaic of pools, lagoons, reed beds, marshes and meadows provides a wildlife haven.

Hand feed the rarest goose in the world, see our colourful flamingos, go bug hunting or pond dipping, enjoy bird watching from our hides and explore the reserve to see butterflies, dragonflies and more!

Old Rectory Farm has been fully restored and operates as a demonstration farm, showing city dwellers traditional methods of farming. animals kept at the farm include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese. 

Sheldon Country Park covers an area of just over 300 acres, comprising open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland.

Get your wellies on then!

One of the UK's largest urban Nature Reserves at a whopping 247 acres including a wide range of habitats great for exploring and nature spotting: woodlands, grasslands, heath land and wetlands plus way marked Nature and Sculpture Trails if you’re nervous about getting lost… given the size of the place a reasonable concern!

Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a unique outdoor learning opportunity. Once an active quarry site, Brockholes has been transformed into a nature reserve with a variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands and meadows.

The Park contains wetlands, grasslands, woodland and heath supporting a wealth of animal and plant life on the doorsteps of Yardley Wood, Billesley, Springfield, Sparkhill and Small Heath.

We offer 10 miles of heritage railway running through the beautiful scenery of South Nottinghamshire and North-West Leicestershire. We are also home to static displays, a large Miniature Railway, Model Railways, Road Transport Collection and Play Area, with a Cafe and Gift Shop as well.

The striking and picturesque moated castle of Nunney was built in the 1370s by Sir John de la Mere, a local knight who was beginning to enjoy royal favour.

Trinity Apse...a spectacular gothic kirk situated in a perfect location just off the Royal Mile and a mere three minutes' walk from Waverley Station.

Historic Trinity Apse is part of what was once described as one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings constructed in Edinburgh. Tucked away down a small close, the Apse has beautiful vaulted ceilings.

Astbury Mere Country Park is the home of watersports in Congleton. Enjoy instructed sessions in sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and raft building. Whether you are a child or an adult, a beginner or looking to improve your skills we have a course for you. For all instructed sessions advanced booking is essential

Mere Mountains was set up by Elspeth in 1991, and is owned and run by John and Elspeth Mason, who have been providing recreational outdoor activities and outdoor education courses in the Lakes continiously for nearly 20 years. 

Nene Valley Railway is a heritage railway that offers a family day out but is no mere manufactured visitor attraction as the preserved railway uses part of the original London and North Western line from Northamptonshire into the Cathederal city of Peterborough, encompassing the stations of Yarwell, Wansford, Ferry Meadows (Nene Park) and Orton Mere.

There is something for everyone. Pull on your wellies and explore the Manley Mere Adventure Trailor take a stroll around the lake. For all watersports enthusiasts, why not try your hand at a new sport by having a taster lesson or splashing about in a rowing boat or kayak. 

Mere Sands Wood is a beautiful wildlife haven comprised of woodlands, lakes and meadows. There is an indoor activity room available for school visits, as well as fully accessible pathways throughout the woodlands and an accessible pond dipping platform making it an ideal location to study mini beasts, pond life and carry out wildlife surveys.

An urban oasis for wildlife and people, just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. Stroll among the lakes, ponds and gardens. The café is perfect for relaxing, and kids will love the play areas.

Book a guided learning session

Step into a wilder world where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Come and enjoy each season, from ducklings to migrating swans - you’ll be amazed at how close you can get to fantastic wetland wildlife.

Book a guided learning session

A fearsome fortress

Muster your courage and explore Framlingham Castle's towering walls behind which Mary Tudor took refuge.

Discover Framlingham Castle's vast and colourful past as it became home to some of the most powerful people in Tudor England, an Elizabethan prison for the troubled, and a sanctuary for the poor in the 17th century.

Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds, bats and migrant birds whilst taking in stunning estuary views. Our spring duckery tour is an unforgettable experience.

One of the world's largest and most respected Wetland conservation organisations.

St George's Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Southwark, which covers the Diocese of Southwark (South London, North Surrey, and Kent), and also the Dioceses of Arundel and Brighton, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. 

A medieval Elizabethan manor house, with it’s own moat, plus priest holes and walled gardens to explore. There is also a Visitor Centre in the old Malt House. Audiovisual and interactive displays help bring the history to life.

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