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

Get your wellies on then!

One of the UK's largest urban Nature Reserves at a whopping 247 acres including a wide range of habitats great for exploring and nature spotting: woodlands, grasslands, heath land and wetlands plus way marked Nature and Sculpture Trails if you’re nervous about getting lost… given the size of the place a reasonable concern!

Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a unique outdoor learning opportunity. Once an active quarry site, Brockholes has been transformed into a nature reserve with a variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands and meadows.

The Park contains wetlands, grasslands, woodland and heath supporting a wealth of animal and plant life on the doorsteps of Yardley Wood, Billesley, Springfield, Sparkhill and Small Heath.

The striking and picturesque moated castle of Nunney was built in the 1370s by Sir John de la Mere, a local knight who was beginning to enjoy royal favour.

Trinity Apse...a spectacular gothic kirk situated in a perfect location just off the Royal Mile and a mere three minutes' walk from Waverley Station.

Historic Trinity Apse is part of what was once described as one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings constructed in Edinburgh. Tucked away down a small close, the Apse has beautiful vaulted ceilings.

Astbury Mere Country Park is the home of watersports in Congleton. Enjoy instructed sessions in sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and raft building. Whether you are a child or an adult, a beginner or looking to improve your skills we have a course for you. For all instructed sessions advanced booking is essential

Mere Mountains was set up by Elspeth in 1991, and is owned and run by John and Elspeth Mason, who have been providing recreational outdoor activities and outdoor education courses in the Lakes continiously for nearly 20 years. 

Nene Valley Railway is a heritage railway that offers a family day out but is no mere manufactured visitor attraction as the preserved railway uses part of the original London and North Western line from Northamptonshire into the Cathederal city of Peterborough, encompassing the stations of Yarwell, Wansford, Ferry Meadows (Nene Park) and Orton Mere.

There is something for everyone. Pull on your wellies and explore the Manley Mere Adventure Trailor take a stroll around the lake. For all watersports enthusiasts, why not try your hand at a new sport by having a taster lesson or splashing about in a rowing boat or kayak. 

An urban oasis for wildlife and people, just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. Stroll among the lakes, ponds and gardens. The café is perfect for relaxing, and kids will love the play areas.

Book a guided learning session

Step into a wilder world where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Come and enjoy each season, from ducklings to migrating swans - you’ll be amazed at how close you can get to fantastic wetland wildlife.

Book a guided learning session

A fearsome fortress

Muster your courage and explore Framlingham Castle's towering walls behind which Mary Tudor took refuge.

Discover Framlingham Castle's vast and colourful past as it became home to some of the most powerful people in Tudor England, an Elizabethan prison for the troubled, and a sanctuary for the poor in the 17th century.

Olton Mere Sailing Club offers sailing, walking and fishing in the heart of Solihull. Olton Mere has provided a protected natural haven for wildlife and plants for over two centuries. 

Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds, bats and migrant birds whilst taking in stunning estuary views. Our spring duckery tour is an unforgettable experience.

One of the world's largest and most respected Wetland conservation organisations.

St George's Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Southwark, which covers the Diocese of Southwark (South London, North Surrey, and Kent), and also the Dioceses of Arundel and Brighton, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. 

Late medieval hall-house in a picturesque village

This medieval hall-house was built in 1308 for the parish priest of the church opposite, and has been little altered since the early 17th century.

Interesting features include the Gothic doorway, magnificent double-height tracery windows and a massive 15th-century stone fireplace.

A medieval Elizabethan manor house, with it’s own moat, plus priest holes and walled gardens to explore. There is also a Visitor Centre in the old Malt House. Audiovisual and interactive displays help bring the history to life.

The Trinity Centre is an iconic space and much-loved Bristol landmark, based in the heart of Old Market

Easton Leisure Centre in Bristol offers its members a range of sports and activities under one roof. From the gym to group exercise studios, swimming pools to sports hall there is always something going on at Easton Leisure Centre.

Medieval castle rising dramatically above the celebrated garden

The world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, it retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces. High on a rock above the terraces, the castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as a medieval fortress.

Miles of golden sand

Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and affords views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs.  It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, quad-pod rides, surfing, slacklining and long walks into the sand dunes where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark gree

The Coleraine Collection stems from the town's remarkable history. Coleraine is a town of several firsts - the first known settlement in Ireland at Mountsandel and the first 'planted' town in Ulster.

Come in and explore, learn, reflect and enjoy the natural environment

This exciting new interpretation centre showcases the special qualities which make the Llŷn Peninsula so unique in terms of history, culture and environment.

Come in and explore, learn, reflect and enjoy the natural environment, and get ideas for activities, walks, attractions and things to do on the peninsula.

We are a friendly watersports centre based in the new facilities at Porth Eirias.

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