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.
The impressive ruins of a 14th-century castle with a massive keep, inner and outer baileys, and towered curtain walls still standing.
It was built by the Abbot of Furness on the south-eastern point of Piel Island, to guard the deep-water harbour of Barrow-in-Furness against pirates and Scots raiders.
In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont in Cumbria, Brougham Castle was founded in the early 13th century. This great keep largely survives, amid many later buildings - including the unusual double gatehouse and impressive 'Tower of League'.
Commanding a vital ford over the River Tweed, Norham was one of the strongest of the border castles, and the most often attacked by the Scots. Besieged at least 13 times - once for nearly a year by Robert Bruce - it was called 'the most dangerous and adventurous place in the country'.
Penrith Castle was begun at the end of the 14th century by Ralph Neville, who played a key role in defending this area against the Scots. It was later transformed into a luxurious residence by Richard, Duke of Gloucester (subsequently Richard III). Surviving to their full height, the castle walls stand in a public park.
History
St John’s Cathedral, Oban, is the Mother Church of the Scottish Episcopal Diocese of Argyll and The Isles. Although only partly built, the Cathedral has a dignity and a presence that is quite remarkable. We welcome visitors – so please come in and look around if you are passing, or join us for a service.
It’s a fantastic forested site overlooking the River Tay, at the heart of Perthshire’s ‘Big Tree Country’. As well as all the usual exciting PGL multi activities, this is our only centre with the Sequoia Scramble (a vertical challenge suspended between 2 Sequoia trees) and the catwalk, which tests your balance high above the ground!
Active Spirit, based near Aviemore in the centre of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, provides a friendly and relaxed opportunity for you to explore a wide range of Outdoor Activities in spectacular surroundings.
A fortified farmhouse with thick stone walls, of a type distinctive to the troubled 16th century Anglo-Scottish borders. The living quarters were only accessible at first floor level.
Set in splendid walking country, on the Reivers Route cycle trail.
The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person.
A very warm welcome awaits you at Glencoe Outdoor Centre, set amongst the spectacular loch and mountain scenery of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by fabulous terrain for adventure activities, with most available “on the doorstep”, we offer a broad range of outdoor pursuits, on both land and water.
Set in the charming village of Etal by a ford over the River Till, this Northumberland castle is the ideal location for a school trip.
Built by Robert Manners as a defence against Scots raiders in the mid 14th century, it fell to James IV's invading Scots army in 1513, immediately before their catastrophic defeat at nearby Flodden.
Stevenson Adventures SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) works alongside organisations and groups who are already involved with disadvantaged young people (14-22 years old).
The Cathedral of The Isles and Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit is a cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church in the Scottish town of Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae.
The sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae is surrounded by safe water with easy access to the open sea. The centre’s island position offers exceptional facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all levels and offers an impressive range of modern equipment, a team of highly qualified instructors, excellent shorebased accommodation and catering facilities.
Herbridian Pursuits established in 1989 is based in Oban on the north coast of Scotland. They offer a wide range of sea and mountain adventure.
Venturing Out is a mobile adventurous activities provider offering high quality, affordable outdoor activity experiences to a broad client base. We are based in East Lothian, close to the magnificent city of Edinburgh.
Rockhopper offers half, full or multi-day sea kayak trips through some of the most spectacular coastal, mountain and island scenery in Scotland!
We are Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. Learn, develop or qualify in an adventure sport of your choice. Our goal is to inspire adventure by teaching beginners, coaching intermediate/advanced and delivering training and assessment courses for leaders and instructors.
We have been providing exhilarating outdoor activities, residential activity holidays and activity courses for nearly 30 years. We have an exciting range of outdoor activities: Kayaking, Coasteering, Sailing, Gorge Walking, Canadian Canoeing, Climbing, Abseiling and more.
Compass has been offering warm hospitality for over 40 years to schools, families and groups of all ages. We are confident that your stay with us will be an unforgettable one. Set in the Cairngorm National Park in the midst of rolling hills, clear lochs and rugged mountains,
The ruins of an Augustinian priory founded by the Bruce family, afterwards Kings of Scotland. They are dominated by the dramatic skeleton of the 14th century church's east end.
Adventure Scotland Ltd is one of Scotland's leading providers of outdoor activities, team and personal development. We offer tailor-made and off the shelf events to the corporate sector, appreciating and organising to their high expectations. In addition to this, we also offer a range of activities and adventures for discerning individuals and groups.
Carol and Richard run 'carolclimb' from Buckbarrow, Wasdale, Cumbria. From a 18thC farmhouse in the beautiful Wasdale Valley in the Western Lake District. We run Skills Courses and Adventures throughout the Lake District, Northern England and Scotland for all ages and abilities.
Established in 2001, Can You Experience Co. Ltd has quickly become a reputable and successful outdoor activity operator and provider, situated at breathtaking, world famous, Loch Lomond in Scotland.
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.