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

Late 18th-century house, set in enchanting landscaped grounds

Family home of Lord Faringdon, who continues to care for the property as well as the family art collection, the Faringdon Collection, which is displayed in the house.

The Pennyman family's intimate 18th-century mansion

Home of the Pennyman family for nearly 400 years, this classic Georgian mansion, with its Victorian kitchen and laundry, attractive gardens and estate walks, provides lively resources for local schools and community groups, and a unique venue for wedding ceremonies and corporate events.

A 1920s country retreat complete with luxuriant garden by the sea

Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family.

You can lose yourself in the magical 12-hectare (30-acre) garden: viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.

A lovely little museum that covers the local history of the small market town of Tring from its earliest days to the recent past.

You can also learn about the industrial revolution and how the rural way of life in Tring was affected by the changes through time.

Stand on the world famous Greenwich Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, high on the hill above Greenwich.

The site comprises 130 acres containing the best collection of trees in Oxfordshire with some of the oldest redwoods in the UK

The free destination for the incurably curious

The Wellcome Collection is a unique mix of galleries and events, the world-famous Wellcome Library, a

Visit this stunning landscape and beautiful gardens.

Here you will find magnificent cliiftop walks, affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring North Coast.

There's a fairytale quality to Bolsover Castle that makes it a firm favourite with anyone looking for a great value day out in the East Midlands. Highlights include the sumptuously painted walls and ceilings of the Little Castle, intricately carved fireplaces and the magnificent indoor Riding House.

Walk in the footsteps of Romans and experience life in this grand Roman villa

The ruins of one of the largest Romano British villas in the country. Also considered one of the most complete and extensive sites, includes some great mosaics. Interesting activities and events throughout the summer and school hols.

Inspire, engage and educate

Come and discover how Slough transformed from a muddy bog to a thriving town of industry and innovation, and explore the history of community life in Slough, through stories of celebration, migration and unity.

Slough Museum has a fascinating collection to explore…we look forward to seeing you soon!

Schools Learning

Learn about the history of life in the Nile Valley from prehistory through to the Islamic period. Thousands of objects to look through including ancient papyrus and carvings. Free to visit.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is an excellent place to take history fans, budding explorers and archaeologists, plus any kids who would like to see something a little different.

Discover Knightshayes, a country estate on a grand, gothic scale

Begun in 1869, and a rare survival of the work of the eccentric designer William Burges, Knightshayes is an extraordinary gothic delight, with rich Victorian interiors, with far reaching views of the Exe Valley and Tiverton.

Visit Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle and discover over 1,000 years of history!

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and a warm, welcoming home to visitors and guests at events and celebrations held here.

Our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels!

Dearne Valley opened its doors as the new Kingswood centre in 2012. Following a multi-million pound investment programme, Dearne Valley is our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels and an on-site waste recycling plant.

Features

The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is a museum of 

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has had a museum collection since 1842, which continues to be managed by the RPS today at its offices in Lambeth. The exhibits cover all aspects of British pharmacy history, and include:

Georgian house with literary associations

Red-brick fronted house with literary associations - both Henry James and E. F. Benson, the novelists, lived here.

Stretch your legs in a living Cornish landscape

We care for some beautiful stretches of land between Lantic Bay and Lansallos in south east Cornwall.

Pencarrow Head is a great starting point, with views of the unspoilt sands of Lantic Bay to the west and the many coves of Lantivet Bay to the east.

An historic landscape full of natural beauty

For many years the commons have been at the heart of the local community. At over 874 acres, the wide variety of landscapes offers the perfect escape to the country.

From the Thames riverbank to woodlands and wildflower meadows, there's a lot to discover whether you're on foot, bike or even horseback.

1,000 years of power, politics and pleasure in an intimate family home

Really welcoming to children: indoors they can play with vintage toys and tinkle on the grand piano, plus explore the cellars and attics; outside there are several play areas and an orienteering course, plus bee hives, Iron Age Hill Fort and other structures to find and explore.

Croft Castle boasts over 1,500 acres of surrounding farm, park and woodland to explore.

A stunning countryside haven in the heart of the busy Midlands

Explore the miles of footpaths, bridleways and easy access trails offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders.

Wonder at the 18th-century follies which form the backdrop to the picturesque Hagley Hall.

Large National Trust shop and Visitor Centre set amongst spectacular countryside and beaches

Skirting the National Nature Reserve of the South Gower Coast, overlooking Rhossili Bay, the large National Trust shop boasts a range of Trust and local gifts, as well as providing local information.

It is a great place to begin touring this interesting area. The Visitor Centre displays regular exhibitions.

A famous landmark of the north east, this saddle containing a single sycamore tree is an absolutely beautiful spot. It is a pleasant walk west from Housesteads Crag and was made famous by the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The tree is now known as the 'Robin Hood tree'.

Pages

Login/Sign Up

Latest News

Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip

A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.