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 home of a family who lived and loved the Arts & Crafts

Built as a summer home by Arts and Crafts architect-designer Ernest Gimson for his brother Sydney, Stoneywell zigzags from its rocky outcrop, amid rhododendrons and heather. Every turn conjures childhood memories of holiday excitement, dashing down the winding steps –– one way to the fort, the other to the woods beyond.

Welcome to Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.

Medieval yeoman's house and garden

15th-century half-timbered yeoman's house, featuring a great hall and surrounded by glorious garden, orchard and meadows.

A perfect example of a Wealden Hall-House, it is full of beautiful collections of furniture, wood and metal work.

Wonderful woodland walks over the Otham Valley can begin from here.

14th/15th-century farm buildings, formerly a priest's residence

The priests who lived here served the Chapel of St Nicholas (now destroyed). The Great Hall is open to visitors.

Unstaffed open site, no booking required

Marrick Priory is a historic 12th century medieval building that was developed in the 1970s into an Outdoor Education and Residential Centre.  It is situated in Swaledale in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park and welcomes groups of visitors from all over the world.

Tynemouth Castle and Priory on the coast of North East England was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000 year history and beautiful views it is the perfect location for a family fun day out.

The very extensive remains of a 13th century priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage.

Part of it later served as a holiday retreat for the monks of Durham Cathedral. Beautifully sited by the River Wear with delightful riverside walks nearby.

We are located in a superb rural setting in the attractive village of Everdon, near Daventry. The surrounding countryside provides a wide variety of contrasting landscapes and habitats which make the area ideal for the study of Geography, Science and Environmental Studies.

The centre:

An adventure playground of rugged slopes, craggy summits and a cracking pint

Forged by fire and ice, the Langdales are dramatic to say the least. Home to the majestic Langdale Pikes, world class rock climbing and stunning mountain tarns, this is a natural playground, with walks and activities to suit all abilities. The ambitious can tackle the major peaks but it’s not all about high level scrambling.

The last remaining thatched windmill in England

Built in 1822, this is the last remaining thatched windmill in England - the last survivor of five in the area.

To view the original workings of this fascinating mill come and visit the interior on special Sunday's from 1pm until 5pm.

Windmill interior opening dates for 2015 are 12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August and 13 September.

Rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht on Coniston Water

Steam Yacht Gondola is the unrivalled sailing experience of the Lakes.

Enjoy the charm of luxury travel once experienced by wealthy Victorians, riding in style in Gondola’s opulent saloons or relaxing on her open-air decks as she glides across Coniston Water.

Imposing church built in 1653, with fine panelled interior

Staunton Harold Church rises above a lake whose tranquil waters reflect the beauty of north-west Leicestershire’s gently rolling hills. It is a picture of rural peace and contentment. But you need not look far to find a very different story from England’s most turbulent times.

Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden

James and Margaret Beale chose an idyllic location with views across the Sussex countryside for their rural retreat. Designed by Philip Webb, the house is one of the finest examples of Arts and Crafts workmanship, with Morris & Co. interiors creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The house is dressed for a weekend stay in 1925, so you can imagine you are a guest of the family.

Beautiful stretch of coastline with sandy beaches, wooded valleys and lily ponds

Stackpole is both a listed designed landscape and an internationally important nature reserve. Footpaths radiate from the site of Stackpole Court, a grand mansion demolished before the National Trust owned this area. Exotic plantings in Lodge Park give way to mixed woodland further upstream.

Our eco award-winning centre is perfectly located to enjoy the Stackpole Estate. The recently upgraded residential centre with theatre, meeting and classroom facilities can accommodate up to 140 guests and is ideal for educational groups, corporate clients, private group hire and family holidays.

We provide an opportunity for people to maintain their interest and continue to develop their skills and confidence through youth work and adventurous water activities.

St Mawes Castle is among the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses, and the most elaborately decorated of them all. One of the chain of forts built between 1539 and 1545 to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain, it guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads, sharing the task with Pendennis Castle on the other side of the Fal estuary.

Tranquil garden and 13th-century chapel

Set in the Darenth Valley, the rare surviving chapel is the only remaining structure of the Preceptory of the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem formed in 1113.

Startlingly beautiful coastline where rugged cliffs rise above a glittering Atlantic

The 14-mile stretch of coast that runs westwards from the holiday resort of St Ives to the mining village of Pendeen, can lay proud claim to being the most startlingly beautiful in south-west England.

The Tate organisation is one of the foremost providers of art galleries and experiences for young people in the UK today.

We have four galleries:

Tate Britain

Tate Modern

Tate Liverpool

Tate St Ives

Sand dunes with a royal history and great coastal views

St Helens Duver is a lovely place to relax or gently wander. There are sandy beaches, rock pools, sand dunes and coastal woods all within a small area. There is easy access from the car park onto the Duver with its short turf and gently undulating ground and views over Bembridge Harbour.

Ornate and rare large medieval guildhall

Originally built as a guildhall for a prosperous wool trade, St George's has been used under many guises a corn exchange, a weapons store and finally, a theatre.

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