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

The Cambridge Centre for Computing History was established as an educational charity to tell the story of the Information Age through exploring the historical, social and cultural impact of developments in personal computing. 

The Museum of Computing is devoted to the history of computing and digital development.

It was the first physical museum of its kind in the UK dedicated to the history of computing.

At the heart of Lydiard Park is Lydiard House – a striking Grade I listed Palladian house that for 500 years was home to the St John family.  The ground floor state apartments of Lydiard House have been beautifully restored and are open to visitors all year round to view the ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings displayed alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family.

The Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family

Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.

In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands" - we hope you will feel the same way about Balmoral once you have visited this most special place.

Enjoy Our Epic Skateboard Zip Wire and Some Stunning Scenery near Aberdeen.

A great day out if you’re looking for adventure activities near Aberdeen. Set in the grounds of historic Crathes Castle, we’re proud to unveil one of our new skateboard zip wires.

The Edinburgh Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides in a truly unique and exciting walkthrough experience that you see, hear, touch, smell and feel. It’s hilarious fun and it’s sometimes a bit scary.

We love it. We know you will too. Here's why:

Join us for a great family day out in the stunning surroundings of Loch Creran. Visit the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, home to a spectacular aquarium as well as Scotland's leading Seal Hospital.

Northern Ireland's National Outdoor Centre

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre offers a range of one day and weekend courses in rock climbing skills, learning to lead and multi pitch climbing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking and sea kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and coasteering.

Find out what life was like in Northern Ireland during the Second World War!

The Guildhall is a prestigious historic building, with acres of oak and walnut panelling, marble floors and the city’s old courts and cells.

Not only is it the owrking home of Hull City Council, but it houses a public collection that includes fine art, sculpture, furniture, the Hull Tapestry and the Civic Insignia and silver.

Hull Tapestry

This magnificent High Victorian Anglican church was designed in the 1870s by the flamboyant architect William Burges, and has been called his 'ecclesiastical masterpiece'. The extravagantly decorated interior displays coloured marble, stained glass, a splendid organ, and painted and gilded figures in all their original glory.

Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles

Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further.

Starkly impressive Brough Castle stands on a ridge commanding strategic Stainmore Pass, on the site of a Roman fort.

Frequently the target of Scots raids, its towering keep dates from about 1200, and more comfortable living quarters were later added by the Clifford family, only to be accidentally burnt following a 'great Christmas party' in 1521.

Three venues in one, Ripon's museums allow you to uncover history.

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things

Cumbria‘s Museum of Military Life was founded in 1932 and tells the 300-year story of Cumbria’s army regiments through books, documents, photographs and artefacts. Based at Carlisle Castle, the museum moved into the larger Alma Ward room in 2014.

The Intertwined History of 300 years of  British Infantry Regiments

Set on a high rock above the River Tees, Barnard Castle takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol. It was later developed by the Beauchamp family and then passed into the hands of Richard III.

Ward Freman Pool is set in the town of Buntingford, Hertfordshire and provides the local community with a range of water based activities.

Offering a range of water based activities including our award winning swim school, Swim 4 Fitness, Swim 4 All and fitness classes such as Aqua Fit, there is always something going on in the water at Ward Freman Pool.

Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, CLAS, situated 2 miles outside Antrim town, is the only horse welfare charity based in N.Ireland. A unique range of horse riding lessons and experiences, including equine massage is on offer.

Northern Ireland’s first indoor Ski and Adventure Centre, We Are Vertigo, is based at Newtownbreda Industrial Estate. 

The centre offers exciting experiences for people of all ages and abilities to try out or brush up on their skiing skills as well as experience extreme fun.

Bloody, Brutal, Bannockburn

Take your place on the battlefield. Stand face-to-face with fearless medieval warriors. Witness two opposing kings – Robert the Bruce and Edward II – whose tactics in 1314 changed the path of Scotland’s history, forever.

The centre is a world-class visitor attraction marking the 700th anniversary of the battle.

Welcome to the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, close to which we believe the mortal remains of Saint Patrick lie buried. However the cathedral is not merely a tourist attraction but it is a place of pilgrimage and prayer for all people.

Down County Museum is located in the restored eighteenth century County Gaol of Down. The museum collects, conserves and interprets those objects which best illustrate the history, culture and environment of County Down.

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway runs through the drumlin countryside of County Down - St. Patrick's Country - over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral. With a mix of steam and diesel trains, and vintage carriages, there's plenty for train fans of all ages - from wee kids to "big kids".

Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District, our outdoor activity centre provides a wide range of outdoor challenges and experiences such as bushcraft, orienteering, climbing, camping  and navigation skills as well as kayaking, canoeing, trekking and mountaineering

The largest outdoor activity centre in Nottingham, offering Junior Archery, Assault course, Laser Tag, Sumo, and Jungle Challenge. Woodland Quad Trek, Indoor and Outdoor Karting for older kids. Children’s parties available, plus special activities during school holidays.

Fun and excitement, without the telly!

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