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

Gareth Haldenby is the lead instructor and is based in the Yorkshire area. Having over ten years experience in outdoor education, Gareth will ensure you have an outstanding experience, tailoring delivery to meet personal aspirations.

For an interesting day out visit Aldborough Roman site among the northern most urban centres in the Roman Empire.

Diggerland has many educational benefits. Students are taught to use everyday construction machinery including real diggers and dumpers!

With its breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond Castle fully deserves its place as one of the finest tourist attractions in North Yorkshire. The castle was originally built to subdue the unruly North of England it is one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain. 

Mock-Gothic castle sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers and informal grounds

Wray Castle came to us without its contents so you will not see a 'typical' National Trust house full of paintings, furniture and antiques with an accompanying owner-family history through the ages. What you will see is a 'tired' but fascinating building with hints of its ‘grand’ past and plenty of signs of its varied history.

Birthplace and family home of Sir Isaac Newton

Woolsthorpe Manor is the birthplace and was the family home of 

A beautiful 20th-century masterpiece featuring colourful borders, a landscape garden and a collection of follies

Woolbeding is a modern garden of two halves, with the colour-themed garden rooms surrounding the house, plus a landscape garden. A gentle stroll over the open pasture land provides views of the River Rother and leads to the ruined abbey and on to the Chinese-style bridge and waterfall.

Please note that all visits to the gardens must be pre-booked.

Experience a landscape shaped by traditional rural life

Woolbeding Estate in West Sussex is quietly tucked away in the tranquil Rother Valley. With its wide horizons and intimate secluded places, this huge estate has an extraordinary blend of habitats.

Spectacular coastline of cliff, coves, beaches, dunes and headlands

Stretching from the rocky headland of Baggy Point at Croyde to the rugged heights of the Tors of Ilfracombe, explore the best of North Devons beautiful beaches and coastline.

Climb or coasteer on Baggy Points dramatic cliffs. Swim and surf in the shadow of dramatic hills at the popular three mile stretch of Woolacombe Beach.

Beautiful secluded wooded valley

The tranquil wooded valley contains a 'lost landscape' with remains of an 18th- and 19th-century landscape park with a chain of five lakes. Park Mill Pond is the last of these lakes and features a man-made island that is now a heronry. Large carp can also be seen in the waters.

While most mansions fell into disrepair after decades of use, Woodchester Mansion was never actually finished. The mansion was commissioned by William Leigh in the 1850s, but the Victorian workmen mysteriously downed their tools and abandoned it mid-construction in 1873.

A rich and varied landscape buzzing with wildlife

If you’re new to exploring the countryside Witley and Milford Commons is a good place to start. It’s easily accessible and the footpaths and bridleways are clearly marked, you can’t get lost. The Commons is a lovely spot for family picnics too.

An unfinished masterpiece

Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust-owned arboretum located between Godalming and Hascombe in Surrey.

Winkworth Arboretum exhibits large collections of azalea, rhododendron, and holly on slopes leading down to ornamental lakes. 

Working watermill in the heart of Winchester

The City Mill is a rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill, powered by the fast-flowing River Itchen, which can be seen passing under the mill, thrilling our visitors.

Three Bronze Age burial mounds, once part of a much larger 'barrow cemetery', including two bowl barrows, and the largest and finest disc barrow in Hampshire.

The barrows here, originally part of a larger group, stand on a ridge and may have acted as territorial markers. This group is a particularly important prehistoric monument as it survives so well.

Young people at the Southampton Centre can take part in the Fairbridge programme, an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities, as well as a range of Get into and Get Started courses.

Prominent landmark with fine views

The highest point in the Cranborne Chase provides panoramic views from the Isle of Wight and Purbeck Hills to Blackmore Vale and Salisbury Plain. Win Green is crowned by beech trees growing on a Bronze Age bowl barrow with a distinctive ridge around the edge. This clump of trees is visible for miles around.

Outstanding 16th-century stone dovecote and stable building

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this outstanding 16th-century stone-built dovecote and stable buildings, which nestles alongside Willington church.

Home to over 1,500 resident pigeons, a nesting site for barn owls and kestrels, the dovecote is a great spot for bird-watching.

The legacy of a family's passion for Victorian art and design

Wightwick Manor - haven of a romantic industrialist.

In 1937 Geoffrey Mander MP did something remarkable - he persuaded the National Trust to accept a house that was just 50 years old.

The National Trust's oldest nature reserve, and England's most famous fen

Wicken Fen, one of Europe's most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 8,500 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies.

There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along this post-industrial coastline

Only 5½ miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, this coastline stretches south from the 18th century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head.

The quiet north Gower coast with its extensive saltmarsh and dunes

North Gower is a tranquil place, for quiet enjoyment, bird watching and walking. Much of the north coast is a large expanse of saltmarsh, which is an ever-changing landscape of mudflats and tidal ditches. Along with Whiteford Burrows, it is an internationally important feeding ground for wading birds and wildfowl.

Beautiful stretch of golden sand on the North Antrim coast

The spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation.

The beach is also backed by ancient sand dunes that provide a range of rich habitats for bird and animal life.

Corn mill with original wooden machinery in a peaceful riverside setting

An 18th-century corn mill in a peaceful, rural setting. Rebuilt in 1776 on a site marked in the Domesday Book, this substantial mill was extensively repaired in 1994 and still retains its original elm and applewood machinery (now too fragile to be used).

Enjoy a stroll over White Mill bridge or sit in the garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the River Stour.

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