An increasing number of schools around the UK have been incorporating indoor climbing into their curriculum due to the numerous benefits to young people and the increasing demand for schools to meet the criteria for the Curriculum for Excellence.
Key Stage 4 (15-16)
Key Stage 4 (15-16)
At KS4, there has been a gradually burgeoning number of types of educational visits – foreign language school exchanges, cultural visits all over Europe and further afield, sports competitions, youth conferences, winter sports and adventurous activities in more extreme environments. The Duke of Edinburgh Award becomes available at 14 years old and continues to be offered for those up to 24 years of age, and pupils of many ages start work on specialist awards in areas such as mountaineering, sailing and river sports. This increase in venue variety has led to a proliferation of specialist companies catering for these activities.
The aims of history trips tend to be more focused in KS4, with study trips to the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation and the 1944 Normandy Landings often proving popular along with the 1815 Waterloo battlefield. Venues of this type are often catered for by specialist travel companies to ensure participants get the best experience available.
A lot of schools have a tradition of school trips with their choirs, orchestras and musical/theatre students. There are specialist companies that can help any school wishing to explore this possibility, and many venues have tailored activities for groups that can help improve performers’ confidence and motivation.
British schools have been the forerunners in Europe for undertaking challenging outdoor activities both at home and abroad (you can visit here for good list of activities and gateway sites) but there is a notable increase of interest at KS4 in science-based trips – most notably the Science and National History museums in London, the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, the National Railway Museum in York, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Macclesfield, Techniquest in Cardiff, and the Bristol Science Centre, all of which have reported an increase in visitors in recent years.
Suitable Venues
A fascinating Victorian garden cemetery adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral.
Cross the bridge from the Cathedral precinct to the Necropolis, a spectacular Victorian cemetery that is now home to many wildlife species. Take time to explore the precinct and get an insight into Glasgow’s long and turbulent history and its medieval roots.
The Cathedral of St Mungo, patron saint of Glasgow, originates from the 13th century and is the finest surviving Gothic building in Scotland the only major cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation.
Book a tour to visit the extraordinary store for Glasgow Museums' vast collection. Come and see our Archaeology, Art & Painting, Arms & Armour, Natural History, Transport & Technology and World Cultures collections at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre (GMRC) - even when they're not on display at our venues.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge in Glasgow, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
Mingulay, Berneray and Pabbay are three islands of unrivalled wildness and beauty.
Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, with sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond, the medieval bishops’ palace was once among the most important buildings in the country. The administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England, stretching from the Humber to the Thames, its architecture reflected enormous power and wealth.
Adventure Northumberland provides a great choice of land and water based outdoor adventure activities.
The Falkirk Wheel is one of Scotland's top tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all across the World.
Situated in Central Scotland only 20 minutes from Glasgow, Auchengillan is the ideal choice for your group accommodation. We can host upto 128 indoors or why not camp in amongst our 120 acres of mixed woodlands and grounds.
We provide a full range of outdoor activities to suit all ages and interests. Based on idyllic Loch Ard, within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park activities include gorgewalking, our unique waterpark, canoeing, climbing/abseiling, cliff jumping, archery, mountain biking, orienteering and many more.
Set in the heart of the Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Dounans is SOEC’s busiest and largest Centre. Original home to the popular ROEE programme, the Centre has a wealth of natural resources on its doorstep and is perfect for environmental sessions both on and off-site. Off-site activities such as kayaking or abseiling are a short hop away.
Since we started C-N-Do Scotland in 1984, thousands of walkers have experienced something special on our range of independent walking holiday and guided holiday and guided walking holidays in Scotland.
Sport and physical activity are important for all of us, whatever our age, whether it's a toddler learning to swim, or a senior citizen doing yoga - the benefits in terms of health and well being are worth a little effort!
Fairways Care (UK) Ltd is a Social Enterprise delivering a comprehensive range of child and social care, support, training and education services in and around the South Coast. The business is controlled and owned in the interests of its social mission.
Lothian Health Services Archive holds the historically important local records of NHS hospitals and other health-related material.
We collect, preserve and catalogue these records and promote them to increase understanding of the history of health and for the benefit of all.
Leading youth Charity the DofE gives all young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future. Find out more about doing your DofE, volunteering for us and supporting our chairty.
Epic Ventures is an Edinburgh outdoor activities company providing guidance, tuition and equipment hire for a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. These can be carried out, either in the Edinburgh area or in an area requested by the client, depending on the activity required
Adventure Edinburgh aims to give young people the opportunity to develop skills and interests in mountaineering, climbing and mountain biking. Through this you are encouraged to become self-sufficient in your chosen activity and develop personal skills such as, leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, and teamworking.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge in Edinburgh, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
We work with young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The Famous Blacksmiths Shop is the ancient building that made Gretna Green famous? It has stood in Gretna Green since 1712. It was also one of the earliest destinations for runaway couples fleeing to marry in Gretna Green.
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