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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
Following our hosting of the white water canoeing at the London2012 Olympics, development and expansion work has recently been completed at Lee Valley White Water Centre. There are now improved facilities for the 2014 season including more changing rooms, an expanded café with a bigger outdoor terrace area and the new Pavilion in the park which includes the Finish Line Café.
The National White Water Centre is based on the River Tryweryn in the heart of Snowdonia. As a centre of excellence for paddlesport, we are known as the home of white water rafting and kayaking.
Situated in a stunning location in the beautiful Peak District National Park, White Hall Outdoor Education Centre has given thousands of young people wonderful, memorable experiences since it opened in 1951 as Britain's first local education authority outdoor centre.
Well preserved Neolithic long barrow
An excellent example of a Neolithic long barrow, located on Salisbury Plain, a few miles from Stonehenge. This was our first purely archaeological purchase.
Trees, hedges and shrubs planted in the form of a medieval cathedral
This incredible Tree Cathedral, made from trees, shrubs and plants, was created after the First World War in the spirit of 'faith, hope and reconciliation'.
Admission to the Tree Cathedral is free. Donations welcome to the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral Fund c/o The Trustees.
15th-century stone manor house
This beautiful small manor house, built over three centuries, has late Gothic and Jacobean windows, decorative plasterwork and two important keyboard instruments. There is some fine period furniture, 17th- and 18th-century tapestries and a modern topiary garden.
Intimate manor house with Arts and Crafts-style garden
Lytes Cary Manor is an intimate medieval manor house with a beautiful Arts and Crafts garden where you can imagine living.
Originally the family home of Henry Lyte, where he translated the unique Niewe Herbal book on herbal remedies, Lytes Cary was then lovingly restored in the 20th century by Sir Walter Jenner.
The Iford valley has been occupied since Roman times and the manor house sits idyllically by the Frome river in the steep-sided valley. Iford Manor is mediaeval in origin, the classical facade being added in the eighteenth century when the hanging woodlands above the garden were planted.
The elegant Palladian home of the Dashwood family and historic village
West Wycombe Park is one of the most theatrical and Italianate of all English country houses and the Dashwood family home for over 300 years. Set in 45 acres of landscaped park, the house as we see it today is the creation of the 2nd Baronet in the 18th century.
Dutch water garden - a rare and beautiful survival
Originally laid out between 1696 and 1705, this is the only restored Dutch style water garden in the country.
Visitors can explore canals, clipped hedges and working 17th-century vegetable plots and discover many old varieties of fruit trees.
15th-century gatehouse
Medieval gatehouse to the 13th-century College of Priests - where the 14th-century theological reformer, John Wyclif, lived.
Woods, heaths and the best coastal views
This is the perfect place for a breezy walk along, or up and down, the hills of north Norfolk.
Enjoy the sun on the heaths or shelter from the wind in the woods.
In a stroll of a couple of miles you can see eight species of trees and depending on the season, a variety of flowers, birds, bees and butterflies.
Celebrated garden with an intriguing collection of follies
A delightful series of walled gardens surrounds the charming 18th-century house.
The garden has many original features including a grand water staircase, created by Marylyn Abbott, providing the focal point to the Nymphaeum fountain designed by Quinlan Terry.
A 15 mile limestone escarpment
Wenlock Edge is a narrow limestone escarpment that runs for 15 miles from Craven Arms to Ironbridge, the National Trust owns 8 miles of this stretch. There is a mix of rich flowering grasslands and ancient woodland along with internationally important sites for geology, making the area an important Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).
A world beneath the waves
Wembury in South Devon is a wildlife magnet. Its rocky cliffs are home to nesting sea birds, while a rocky shore, slate reefs and massive wave-cut platforms provide one of the UK's best spots for marine life.
A striking landmark on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
The Wellington Monument stands as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
Dramatic river gorge, ancient woodlands, tea garden and shop in stunning surroundings
Take a stroll around the 2,000 acres of Watersmeet and Countisbury, a haven for wildlife and breathtaking views.
On Exmoor, Watersmeet is the meeting place of the East Lyn river and Hoar Oak Water.
Explore the rich woodlands of the Lyn Valley and stroll along the riverside at Lynmouth, Combe Park and Rockford.
Working water-powered mill used in the manufacture of linen
Nestling in an idyllic wooded glen offering lovely walks and picnic spots this, the last working water-powered linen beetling mill, offers a unique experience for all the family.
Try some scutching, hackling and weaving as you take part in hands-on demonstrations, against the thundering cacophony of beetling engines.
Manor house associated with the family of George Washington, first president of the USA
At the heart of historic Washington village this picturesque stone manor house and its gardens provide a tranquil oasis, reflecting gentry life following the turbulence of the English Civil War.
The building incorporates parts of the original medieval home of George Washington's direct ancestors, and it is from here that the family took their surname of 'Washington'.
Towering mountains and England's deepest lake
Wasdale is a remote farming hamlet surrounded by spectacular fells and dramatic wilderness. The fells have been an inspiration for mountaineers, climbers and poets for decades and remain a magnificent setting for an adventure to suit everyone.
Discover Wallington, much-loved home to generations of the unconventional Trevelyan family
Gifted to you by Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, Socialist MP and ‘illogical Englishman’, our 13,000-acre estate has something for everyone.
Botanical garden with the world's largest seed conservation project
Open throughout the year, Wakehurst is the country estate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The varied landscape is of international significance for its beautiful botanic gardens and tree collections, as well as for its science-based plant conservation and research.
Magnificent house and grounds in the style of a 19th-century French chateau
Waddesdon Manor has so much to offer young people: beautiful, safe grounds and space to explore, living history, opportunities for learning and fun both outdoors and in. Highlights include the Woodland Playground, Explorer Trails around the gardens, the Children's shop, and the Aviary.
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