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.
Karting experience for kids with new lower age limit, welcoming member drivers from 8 years! A fantastic memorable achievement for kids, and maybe the start of lifelong interest
Under the guidance of one of their experienced instructors, novices learn the basics of motor sport safety and race-craft, and quickly build confidence in the control and handling of a race kart.
Soho House was the elegant home of industrialist and enterpreneur Matthew Boulton from 1766 to 1809. Carefully restored, this fashionable Georgian house features period room interiors with fine collections of ormolu, silver, furniture and paintings.
Welcome to Adventure Island Mini Golf, England's first Indoor Adventure Golf Complex featuring 2 brand new themed 18 hole courses! They are located indoors on their own lush tropical adventure island at Star City, Birmingham.
Bruise-less battle fun for the whole family, tracking down mean old aliens! Explore the arena with the kids, packing infra red combat equipment for a zero contact showdown! For over 6s.
Clay and Play is a paint your own pottery shop. We have an extensive range of items to choose from. You paint it then we glaze and fire it in our kiln. Its then ready to collect 5-7 days later. We can post them to you for a small extra cost.
Bartley Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a brand new initiative by Bartley Sailing Club with a mission to provide high quality outdoor activities to Schools, Youth Groups, Further Education and adults. Bartley Sailing Club is situated on Bartley Reservoir on the south-western outskirts of Birmingham.
A unique little museum with over 5,000 objects relating to the Birmingham Steel pen trade and the history of writing. Very interactive, you can make your own pen and try your hand at calligraphy.
Restored to its former Edwardian glory, downstairs there are exhibition rooms explaining the fascinating history of the house's former occupants. An interactive train set, toy box and rooms full of antique artefacts. Outside, 7 acres of Botanic Garden to be explored and enjoyed.
When the proprietors of the Smith & Pepper jewellery manufacturing firm decided to retire in 1981 they ceased trading and locked the door, unaware they would be leaving a time capsule for future generations. Tools were left strewn on benches; grubby overalls were hung on the coat hooks; and dirty teacups were abandoned alongside jars of marmite and jam on the shelf.
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the busiest and seventh-largest exhibition centre in Europe. It is near junction 6 of the M42 motorway and is adjacent to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International railway station It has 20 interconnected halls, set in grounds of 611 acres (2.54 km2) making it the largest exhibition centre in the UK.
The biggest movie screen in the Midlands: as high as a five storey building and as wide as four buses. The great range of fantastic IMAX 2D and 3D films will put you right in the heart of the action.
Fifteen acres of safe, secure, clean landscaped gardens with lawns and four glasshouses for children to explore. Indoor and outdoor activities for children and all the family. Picnic areas, outdoor theatre and music during the summer months.
A bowling centre located in Watson Road. We have 22 modern fully computerised lanes, American Pool tables, Amusement Arcades all catered towards families and kids. There is also the Beach Road Cafe for some delicious meal and snack options and a fully licensed bar with Sky Sports for the adults.
Impressive indoor 1000m Karting track for kids of 8 years and older. Full equipment provided and safety briefing before you start. Family events available. Great for adrenaline junkies and speed demons. Pedal to the metal!
The track is one of the longest and fastest in the midlands and offers an exhilarating ride with some great places to overtake fellow karters.
Quasar is a fun and safe game where each player wears a luminous vest and carries a laser pistol while roaming around in a multi-level maze. The object of each game is simply to laser tag as many people as you can in the set time. Kids go crazy for it! Tenpin bowling also on site.
For 8+: a fleet of karts are specially designed to allow youngsters to race at their own pace. They can limit the power for younger drivers as they learn how to drive, and teach all the skills needed to win on the track. They also do parties!
Boasting sensationally speedy but child friendly indoor go-karts, Teamworks is perfect for drivers experienced or brand new alike.
Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
A staggering array of activities under one (enormous!) roof, from bowling and laser tag to mini golf and dodgems, to the cinema, football and indoor climbing!
Star City Birmingham is home to an amazing assortment of great family activities all under one roof! Including:
Flower-filled park containing a sensory garden, an exotic glasshouse, a lake with ducks and swans, and a boating pond. There is also a nearby ship-themed adventure play area (see full details for information).
Things to enjoy
The Art Gallery & Museum has a permanent collection of over 11,000 objects in the fields of art, crafts, sculpture, local and social history, archaeology and ethnography. Most have been donated by local people, beginning in the 1860s and continuing to the present day.
A bowling alley located in Shires Retail Park, Leamington Spa. We have fully modern computerised bowling lanes, American and English Pool Tables, Amusement Arcades all catered towards families and kids. There is also the Beach Road Cafe Bar and a fully licensed bar with Sky Sports for the grown ups too.
The Parkridge Centre is in a great location in the heart of Brueton Park, Solihull. It is an ideal location for younger children to explore their local area and experience the wonderful nature and wildlife that our area has to offer.
The Pottery Paint Shop is a relaxed, fun place to pop in at any time and let the artist in you free.
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.