Key Stage 3 (12-14)

Key Stage 3 (12-14)

At Key Stage 3 (KS3) the History curriculum includes a large span of British and world history, and there are few schools that are more than a couple of hours from a venue that will enhance pupils’ historical study. Local religious centres and town halls will be a good start for the study of ‘church, state and society in Britain’, but we would encourage schools to look at the Houses of Parliament and the Welsh Assembly as candidates for possible visits - both of whom offer tailored services to schools.

Visits to the foreign 1914-18 WWI sites are firm school favourites already, and are likely to be doubly popular in the next four years. Many schools combine the history element with some linguistic extras to develop pupils’ ability to ‘speak coherently and confidently, with increasingly accurate pronunciation and intonation.’

In regards to drama and music, many pupils will have been to plays and musicals before the age of 11, but KS3 theatre visits will encourage interest in the subjects and develop the national requirement for ‘a deepening understanding of the music that they perform and to which they listen, and its history.’

The KS3 curriculum requires schools to develop pupils’ adventurous spirits, using group activities to encourage pupils to ‘take part in outdoor and adventurous activities which present intellectual and physical challenges.’ Many national providers specialise in this area, providing imaginative activities for all kinds of age and ability groups, with a large number tailoring activities for those with special educational needs and disabled pupils.

Suitable Venues

Dramatic coastline with views over huge rock stacks

Carnewas has become one of the most popular destinations on the north Cornish coast because of the spectacular cliff-top view of sea stacks stretching across Bedruthan beach (not Trust-owned).

Rocky island connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge

Suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen 350 years ago. Today it is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers (and birdwatchers!) to the North Coast every year. 

A garden for all seasons

Steeped in nearly 300 years of history, this eighteen-century garden is a green oasis in the heart of Surrey within easy reach of London.

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is tucked out of sight in the valley of the River Almond and stretching for 1.5 miles between Broxburn and East Calder, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is probably the best kept secret in West Lothian!

Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers

Harting Down nature reserve in West Sussex is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland cared for by us. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland.

Discover Staffordshire's secret woodlands

In the beautiful Churnet valley sits Hawksmoor. The ancient woodland is an excellent place to spot green woodpeckers, spotted flycatchers and ravens. The wild flowers and archaeology of Gibriddingt Wood are so special that they have attracted artists and photographers for many years.

Memorial to Octavia Hill overlooking the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Hydon's Ball is one of our earliest acquisitions and is a memorial to one of our co-founders, Octavia Hill, who died in 1912. It’s one of the highest points in Surrey and the steep, wooded, south-facing slope commands magnificent views across the surrounding countryside towards the Sussex border.

A great place for a picnic. Enjoy impressive views of The Weald

Ide Hill is 33.5 acres of semi-natural woodland that lies on the side of the Greensand Ridge. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its abundant wildlife.

Wild and open landmark crowned with a distinctive row of pine trees

The summit and surrounding area of May Hill consists of a wide expanse of open grassland, bracken and gorse with boggy areas and pools. The hill is capped by a clump of pine trees (not NT), planted in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is now the location of annual May Day celebrations.

A park at the heart of the community

Morden Hall Park is green oasis in the city, giving you a taste of a country estate with a glimpse of its agricultural and industrial history.

A beautiful slice of Kent countryside

Discover why the locals love this place so much by exploring this tranquil site along its network of paths, which wind their way up through the woodland. Once at the top, relax and take in the wonderful view to the south over the Weald of Kent.

Panoramic views from the top of world

Ditchling Beacon is located 7 miles to the north of Brighton and just south of the village of Ditchling. At 248 metres above sea-level, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex and offers commanding 360 degree views from its summit. Look south out to sea, north across the Weald or east-west across the Downs.

Raleigh Park is 27 sloping acres, outside the city boundaries between Botley and North Hinksey. It has recently been accredited with Local Wildlife Site.

Huge park offering lakes, meadows and rivers for exploration, plus a multi activity centre and adventure playground. Incorporates a proper 9 hole golf course please note not crazy or mini golf though beginners welcome.

500 acres of beautiful woodlands, grasslands, gardens and lake.

We have a children's play area, climbing forest, picnic benches and barbecue areas, a bird hide, woodlands, open space for the children to play and of course plenty of ducks and swans to feed!

It is the perfect location for a fun filled family day out or a relaxing picnic out in the fresh air.

Broads Holiday Adventure

Spend quality time on the Broads with Herbert Woods. 

A Land Apart...

A precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty is so outstanding that it is protected for future generations...

A natural amphitheatre on a spur of the Cotswolds, with views over the Vale of Evesham

Dover's Hill was the site of the original English Olympic Games, which began here 400 years ago in 1612.

Extensive chalk and grassland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Soar above a breathtaking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations.

Stand on top of Dunstable Downs for a view that will simply take your breath away. These Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated for the quality of their chalk grasslands.

A wonderful mix of open heathland, woodland and chalk downland

Headley Heath has a wide network of tracks to explore, and stunning views to rival any of its neighbours - the perfect place to enjoy the countryside, whether walking, cycling or horseriding.

A remote island in the Norfolk Broads

You may not have heard of Heigham Holmes, but this 500 acre nature reserve is an oasis of calm and a haven for wildlife – and heaven for wildlife lovers.

It’s a unique and internationally important site, with reed-fringed flood banks, open water, grazing marsh, scrub and wet woodland. They're linked by a maze of dykes and pools characteristic of the Norfolk broadland landscape.

Varied landscape of moorland, woods, farms and coast, rich in wildlife

Holnicote Estate makes up 12,000 acres of Exmoor National Park and is a contrasting landscape with everything from wild, rugged moorland and shingle beaches to ancient woodland and charming thatched villages.

White Peak Estate, including Ilam Park, Dovedale and Hamps and Manifold Valleys

Situated in the spectacular setting of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Peak District, Ilam Park makes an ideal base to explore the other parts of the White Peak area.

White Peak incorporates several key areas that are well worth a visit. These include: Dovedale; the Manifold Valley; Ilam Park; Ecton Mine, Stanton Moor Edge; Miller's Dale and Ravenstor; and High Wheeldon.

Two acres of magnificent garden, set on the side of Kinnoull Hill overlooking Perth. Branklyn holds an impressive collection of rare and unusual plants. Schools are welcome to arrange a visit with the site manager.

This 100 acre site, managed in partnership with 

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