Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries presents a changing programme of exhibitions. These feature regional, national and international artists and craft makers. It also stores a collection of over 600 artworks by Scottish artists or art relating to the region. These are shown in exhibitions throughout the year.
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
A treasure house of the history of south west Scotland, Dumfries Museum is centered around the 18th century windmill which stands above the town. On the topmost floor of the museum is the Camera Obscura – this historic astronomical instrument gives fascinating panoramic views over the town and on clear days the range is many miles.
Based around the original control tower of the former RAF Dumfries, the museum is a fascinating collection of aircraft and memorabilia reaching back to the golden years of flight.
The group aims to promote awareness of the history of the Eastriggs and Gretna townships, and their importance with the 1st world war munitions factory HM Factory Gretna in turning the tide of war in the allies' favour.
This gem of a place must not be passed by. It is not its size but the warm welcome and friendly folk that you will enjoy. Come and see for yourself what Granny used in the past and compare it with today. Enjoy the town heritage, peep into the past. You may come as strangers, you will leave as friends.
A medieval tower house in the centre of Stranraer
Built around 1500 by the Adairs of Kilhilt, one of the most powerful families in Wigtownshire, over the centuries the Castle has been used as a home, a local court, a military garrison and a prison.
Videos and reconstructions are used to tell the story of:
A varied annual programme of exhibitions which showcase the best in contemporary art and craft work.
The gallery forms an excellent venue which plays host to an annual programme of exhibitions ranging from fine art and craft to photography. Many of the arts and crafts displayed are for sale. In addition touring exhibitions are regularly displayed.
It was in this simple sandstone house in a quiet Dumfries street that Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, spent the last years of his brilliant life. He died here in 1796 at the age of just thirty seven. The house gives us a picture of how the poet and his family lived in the late eighteenth century. It is now a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts from around the world.
This 18th-century Georgian house is the former home of Scottish painter E A Hornel, one of the Glasgow Boys.
Broughton House & Garden prefers to tour groups around the property and garden out of hours - for example before midday. Topics include 'An Edwardian home', 'Art styles at Broughton' and 'Local literature'.
This local museum has a regular display which includes social history, trades and craft implements, dolls, toys and a large collection of Ayrshire lace embroidery and local Paisley weaving. There are also regular exhibitions held on specific topics.
Opened in 1901, the Dick Institute is one of the most important cultural venues in the south-west of Scotland, featuring the largest museum and galleries space in Ayrshire as well as East Ayrshire's central library.
The Scottish Maritime Museum boasts a range of Scotland’s rich maritime collection.
The collection not only includes historic vessels, shipbuilding machinery, machinery tools, small vessels, canoes and lifeboats, but also personal items of socio-historic interest.
The Baird Institute lies in the centre of the town of Cumnock and was opened in March 1891 to provide leisure facilities for local people and included a museum, billiard room and reading rooms.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland's favourite poet.
The Royal Burgh of Ayr held the Rozelle lands as part of the Barony lands of Alloway until an auction in 1754 to reduce the Burgh debt brought sale of the lands to Robert Hamilton for £2,000. The Hamilton family made their fortune in the sugar and tobacco industries in the West Indies. The first mansion house was finished by 1760 and was in the classical style of Robert Adam.
North Ayrshire Heritage Centre shows the history of North Ayrshire with displays of archaeology, costume, transport, and popular culture. A photographic archive of the local area is available for reference.
The museum has displays on the history of the town and the surrounding area, local family history, overseas links especially with Australia, the ship HMS Largs, and so on. Each year a special themed display is prepared for the museum’s opening in June, July and August.
Built in 1776, the former parish church in Saltcoats, houses our principal museum collection.
The McKechnie Institute opened in 1889 thanks to the benevolence of a local businessman, Thomas McKechnie. Its architectural style is Scottish Baronial with some Renaissance detailing. The Architects of the Institute were McKissack & Rowan of Glasgow, who were also responsible for the design of Girvan Parish Church.
Set within the magnificent grounds of Rozelle Park, the Maclaurin Gallery offers a rare chance to enjoy a wide range of works from local, national and internationally acclaimed artists.
The Doon Valley Museum is located in a conversion of one of the oldest buildings in Dalmellington (dating from 1744). It was saved from demolition in the 1980s and now serves the community as a museum, art gallery and meeting place. Our permanent museum displays explore some of the rich heritage of the Doon Valley – with a focus on mining and how it affects the communities of the area.
Dean Castle, home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years, is open all year round to visitors and is one of Ayrshire’s greatest free attractions.
17th century flour mill and ancillary buildings on riverside site
17th century flour mill and ancillary buildings on riverside site. Exhibitions telling the story of country life from 1800 to the present day. Collection of costume, furnishings and memorabilia.
a fresh combination of interactive and traditional exhibits; a truly authentic Burns experience
Refurbished in 2004, the Burns House Museum is a fresh combination of interactive and traditional exhibits; the Museum represents a truly authentic Burns experience.
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