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 great and ancient Downland estate

Slindon Estate is 1,400 hectares of woodland, downland, farmland, and parkland. With countless historic landscape features and its unspoilt Sussex village, there is something for every visitor.

Ellen Terry's early 16th-century house and cottage gardens

Built in the early 16th-century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding port, Smallhythe Place was purchased by renowned Victorian actress Ellen Terry in 1899.

Her daughter Edith Craig set up the museum in 1929 which is home to a fascinating personal and theatrical collection which highlights Ellen Terry's extraordinary career and unconventional personal life.

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.

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.

Welcome race fans

From old skool nostalgia drag weekends to today's ultra modern modified car and motorcycle scene we'll give you the very best drag racing experience Warwickshire's Shakespeare County Raceway has to offer whatever your age. Recession what recession!

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.

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.