Bank Hall is not one of the most well known buildings in the country, but it is one of the most beautiful and interesting. Its location could be passed every day without realising its existence as the lofty chimneys and the remnants of the clock tower only faintly glimpse over the tree tops.
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
The distinctive and highly decorative gatehouse-tower of a castle built by the wealthy Sir William Hylton, shortly before 1400.
Originally containing four floors of self-contained family accommodation, its entrance front displays royal and family heraldry, including Richard II's white hart badge.
York Minster invites everyone to discover God's love through our welcome, worship, learning and work. For over a millennium, people have come to seek inspiration in this place of wonder.
Welcome to Tower Wood Outdoor Education Centre which is set in 12 magnificent acres of lawns and woodland, extending from the beautiful Edwardian house down to the eastern shore of Windermere. The site looks across the Lake to the high fells of the Lake District and has an enviable and easily accessible position.
Longthorpe Tower displays one of the most complete and important sets of 14th century domestic wall paintings in northern Europe. This varied 'spiritual encyclopaedia' of worldly and religious subjects includes the Wheel of Life, the Nativity and King David.
The award winning Tower Museum is located within the city's walls at Union Hall Place. The Museum has two main exhibitions ("Story of Derry" and "La Trinidad Valancera- An Armada Shipwreck ") and hosts a wide programme of touring exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Close to the shore of Lake Windermere in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Great Tower Scout Activity Centre is an ideal base for exploring this famous area. Set in 250 acres, the centre offers both sizeable woodland to explore as well as natural rocky crags for climbing.
This early and well-preserved example of a small free-standing Norman tower keep is located on a natural sandstone ledge near the head of a narrow valley. Rising almost to its original height, this mysterious survival takes its name from a chapel of St Leonard which once stood nearby.
Our historic lighthouse is more than 250 years old and is one of the city's landmark buildings. Climb the 93 steps to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Plymouth and beyond.
A centrepiece on Plymouth's Hoe, Smeaton's Tower has become one of the South West's most well known landmarks.
The Control Tower of this historic air base houses a living memorial to the American airmen and their planes, based here during World War II.
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.
Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors every year.
Tells the story of Buckingham and north Bucks rural life, including the Flora Thompson collection (Lark Rise to Candleford author) and Buckinghamshire Military Trust exhibits. A number of the original cells form part of the museum visitor's experience.
Over 720 species including some of the world’s most impressive and inspiring animals.
As visitors walk around the Zoo’s 36 acre site, they are brought closer to nature with walk through sections to explore.
The Jewel Tower dates back almost 650 years and is an intriguing visitor attraction in the heart of Westminster. It was built around 1365 to house Edward III’s treasures and was known as the ‘King’s Privy Wardrobe’.
One of only two buildings from the medieval Palace of Westminster to survive the fire of 1834, the tower features a 14th century ribbed vault.
One of the earliest purpose-built artillery blockhouses in England, this brick tower was built in about 1398-9 to command a strategic point in Norwich’s city defence.
The tower was intended to house guns and a garrison of gunners to defend the approach to the city across the River Wensum. Its height of nearly 50 feet was necessary to overlook the high ground on the opposite bank.
A visit to Tower Bridge Exhibition is the most exciting way to explore and experience the most famous Bridge in the world. Within the Bridge's iconic structure and magnificent Victorian Engine rooms there is plenty to see and do!
Pendine Outdoors offer all kinds of adventure and team activities to a very diverse clientelle from primary children to sports teams.
The centre is perfect for outdoor education – offering instructed activities such as kayaking, climbing, archery and rafting.
Tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey
The Wey was one of the first British rivers to be made navigable, and opened to barge traffic in 1653.
The campsite lies below Snowdon in the most beautiful valley in Wales. It is an ideal base for walking, swimming and other adventure activities.
Barnstondale is a truly inclusive adventure and activity centre. With outdoor pursuits, team building, sports and excitement to be had, you can create your own adventure at Barnstondale.
STA Travel is the world’s largest travel company for teachers, students and young people. With over 35 years’ experience STA Travel Education organises safe, secure and exciting tailor-made trips for Schools, Colleges and Universities.
Nestled on the beach in an old smuggler’s cove, Boggle Hole is the perfect location for a school trip. Our programmes here will explore rock pools, look for dinosaur remains and learn about the smugglers who once called this area home. You may even get a chance to spot the ever-elusive Boggle from which this fantastic property gets its name…
Situated close to the city centre, Edgbaston Reservoir is a site of importance for nature conservation.
The tremendous view from the top of Sutton Bank must rank as one of the finest in Britain.
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