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

Remains of an early 13th-century fortress

Remains of early 13th-century castle, built beside the River Monnow to command one of the main routes from England.

Beautiful medieval house, with rich gardens and estate

This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District.

Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden.

The National Dinosaur Museum houses the southern hemisphere's largest permanent display of prehistoric items. The museum's exhibition shows the evolution of life, especially dinosaurs.

The museum is one of the most popular places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory. Each year, 100,000 people come through its doors.

Charmouth is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, an ancient coastline of dramatic cliffs, fossils and beautiful scenery. Ideal for a family holiday away from brash amusements and expensive visitor attractions - re-discover traditional holiday pastimes, enjoy the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and look for fossils as well.

Experience one of the country's great gardens

Hidcote is an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston its colourful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are always full of surprises. It’s a must-see if you’re in the Cotswolds.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens was created in the 1920s and is a beautiful place to take the family with a lot of plants to see and enjoy - perfect for garden lovers with lots of space for the kids to run around.

When you visit the railway you can enjoy a unique train ride through dramatic limestone scenery, discover fossils and wild flowers, learn about the railway and stare at the vintage rolling stock!

With brand new lakeside camping pods (new for 2015), traditional Acorn camping in pre-erected tents or bushcraft bivvi nights to choose from. This Great Welsh Adventure not only offers a market leading water sports programme for school and group trips, it’s a refreshingly genuine outdoor experience.

Once the stronghold of the turbulent Mortimer family, Wigmore Castle was later dismantled to prevent its use during the Civil War. Now it is among the most remarkable ruins in England, largely buried up to first floor level by earth and fallen masonry. Yet many of its fortifications survive to full height, including parts of the keep on its towering mound.

This elegant Edwardian Country House offers exceptional facilities and stunning views over an untamed Welsh landscape. We are located on the edge of Llanwrtyd Wells, between the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian mountains, with a 5 acre lake and adjoining river providing a lovely backdrop.

A lovely little museum dedicated to the history of Oswestry and the surrounding countryside, from B.C. to present day. Run by friendly volunteers, quiz for the kids and free to visit!

Discover the history of Oswestry through a timeline exhibition that maps everything from the formation of rocks to present day.

Open all year, Monday - Sunday. Dolwyddelan, built by Llywelyn Fawr, along with nearby Dolbadarn and Prysor, formed a collection of strategically important mountain fortresses for the Welsh ruler.

The Oldest Parliament in the World

The High Court of Tynwald is the parliament of the Isle of Man. Tynwald is of Norse origin and over 1,000 years old, and is thus the oldest parliament in the world with an unbroken existence.

The centre is in easy reach of the River Wye, the Brecon Beacons and limestone areas to the south containing some of the most extensive cave systems in Britain and both natural and quarried climbing areas.

This local environment provides an area of outstanding natural beauty, and means we are able to offer courses of an adventurous and challenging nature.

Set on a large natural mound, Launceston Castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest, its focus is an unusual keep consisting of a 13th-century round tower built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, inside an earlier circular shell-keep.

The extensive and picturesque ruins of Minster Lovell Hall are located in a beautiful rural setting beside the River Windrush. Approached from the north, through the adjacent churchyard, the 15th century site comprises a fine hall, tower and complete dovecote nearby - making this a particularly interesting day out for anyone considering a visit. 

No day out in the Yorkshire Dales would be complete without a visit to Middleham Castle. Once the childhood home of Richard III, you can relive the Castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of its great owners.

Although roofless, extensive remains of the fortified palace still survive, making Middleham a fascinating castle to explore.

A chance to experience what war was like over the last three hundred years for soldiers and their families. A fun way to show history to your students.

A late 17th-century mansion and one of the wonders of Wales

Tredegar House is one of the architectural wonders of Wales and one of the most significant late 17th-century houses in the whole of the British Isles.

Situated within 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland, this delightful red brick house provides an ideal setting for a fantastic day out.

One thousand years of jaw-dropping history!

Great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses, heroic knights. You can find them all here at Warwick Castle.

Blacklow Hill, near Leek Wootton in Warwickshire, lies on the Millennium Way, a pathway constructed in 2000 across the midlands. 

Gentle countryside walks and coastal hikes

Above the bustling seaside town of Sidmouth is Salcombe Hill which has amazing views of the town and out across the Jurassic cliffs.

For the more adventurous, join the South West Coast Path and explore Salcombe Mouth, and the pretty but steep valleys of Lincombe and Duscombe.

Rare survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including mansion house, servants' quarters, model farm and walled garden

Journey through the historic estate of Shugborough and experience the nation's best 'upstairs downstairs' experience. 

Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views

Wander through Sheringham Park and you'll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Visit the Repton exhibition to see the story of his 1812 design during a turbulent period of history.

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