Key Stage 2 (8-11)

Key Stage 2 (8-11)

At Key Stage 2 pupils will begin to adopt a more sophisticated approach to the core and foundation subjects.

In History, the requirement to study topics such as the Anglo-Saxon and Scots invasions and the Viking and Roman occupations creates many opportunities for school trips to some of the most important historical sites in the world, and a great variety of brilliant museums. There will always be a venue close by!

History trips can also be used in KS2 to develop pupils' 'use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge', one of the aims of the KS2 Geography curriculum. Such activities could also be linked to the national curriculum requirement to 'take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team'.

But there are many other options for accessing imaginative and challenging activities from specialist providers. Some schools also like to organise short residential visits at for pupils at KS2 level to give classes a taster of new activities and team-working away from usual environments and families. 

Suitable Venues

Located in the city of Perth, The Black Watch Castle & Museum is one of the top visitor attractions in Perthshire and includes the Copper Beech Cafe, the Museum Shop and the Regimental Museum. 

Scotland's Black Watch is an elite military regiment whose history stretches back almost three centuries.

Here in the Atholl Country Life Museum, once the village school, you are able to capture that life of the past and learn about the great characters of the area, their skills and achievements, not only in the community but far beyond.

Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection.

Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth.

Telling the story of Britain's wartime naval base

The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum houses an important record of the role the Royal Navy played in Orkney during both World Wars.

The Pier Arts Centre was established in 1979 to provide a home for an important collection of British art donated to ‘be held in trust for Orkney’ by the author, peace activist and philanthropist Margaret Gardiner (1904 – 2005). 

The museum was founded in 1983. Orkney’s wartime history is strongly represented in the collection which covers the development of wireless in Orkney from the start of the last century to the present day.

The Orkney Museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age, to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. There is a large collection of old photos and activities to amuse younger visitors. The Museum’s collection is of international importance and it has a changing temporary exhibition programme.

Unique survival in Northern Europe of a traditional rural dwelling with central hearth and stone

Kirbuster Museum was opened to the public in 1986. It is the last un-restored example of a traditional ‘firehoose’ in Northern Europe. The house has a central hearth and a stone neuk bed, a unique survival. Kirbuster was occupied up until the 1960s and was once the home of the Spence and Hay families.

Corrigall Farm Museum is a traditional ‘but and ben’ house. It portrays a typical Orkney farmhouse and steading in Victorian times - late 19th Century. The working barn and grain kiln, horse-drawn machinery and livestock make for an interesting visit for children and adults.

The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three great Scottish writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

An exhibition on the history of Whitburn and its coal mining heritage in particular

The permanent exhibition tells the story of Whitburn and its industrial and social past. Coal mining was very important in Whitburn but other industries from hand loom weaving to the manufacture of Levi’s jeans also feature. Aspects of social history from the Baillie family on Polkemmet Estate to the leisure pursuits of miners are also covered.

The Museums Service cares for the Council's collections, runs museums in the community, a touring exhibition programme, education and reminiscence services

West Lothian Council Museums Service has three stores, a workshop and an office at Connolly House in Blackburn. The role of the service is threefold. First we care for the Council’s collections and record them using manual and computerised systems.

A ‘must see’ when visiting Edinburgh

Above all, the Royal Yacht Britannia was home for the British Royal Family. Now permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith, you can step aboard and experience this floating palace for yourself.

An outstanding centre for art and ideas, the public art gallery of The University of Edinburgh, Talbot Rice Gallery presents original and relevant exhibitions within a unique historical context. The exhibitions exemplify creativity and ambition, seen through a distinctive programme of Scottish and International artists, with informed interpretation and lively educational events. 

Surgeons' Hall Museum is the major medical museum in Scotland, and one of Edinburgh's many tourist attractions. The museum is recognised as a collection of national significance by the Scottish Government.

An important collection of early keyboard instruments including clavichords, chamber organs and early pianos housed in a restored Georgian concert hall, built in 1762 by Robert Mylne to a unique oval plan. Paintings, textiles and tapestries are also exhibited. Musical events are held throughout the year.

Objects on display throughout Murrayfield Stadium.

Since 1826, the Academy has occupied William Henry Playfair’s magnificent landmark building on the Mound, Edinburgh. The RSA is at the forefront of promoting living artists in Scotland, through its Annual Exhibition and a series of temporary exhibitions and events.

The Regimental museum is housed in Edinburgh Castle and through paintings, artefacts, silver and medals a fascinating story is told, from formation to the present day, a story which mirrors the fortunes of the country. Whether in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa or the Americas, members of the Regiment have followed the flag in the service of their country.

A wide range of regimental artefacts spanning 330 years of history

Visit the Museum of the famous Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Edinburgh Castle. Experience over 300 years of history from Scotland's only Cavalry Regiment. See the captured enemy standard from the Battle of Waterloo.

Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments ranks among the world's most important collections of musical heritage. All the main types or musical sound-making device are represented, and are presented to the public in two museums. The c.

Queensferry Museum helps visitors to explore the past and traditions of historic Queensferry and neighbouring Dalmeny.

You can learn about the construction of the Forth Rail and Road Bridges before viewing the real thing through our picture windows that look over the Forth. A telescope helps you to get a closer look at the Bridges and our local wildlife.

Prestongrange is a site of major importance in the story of Scotland’s Industrial Revolution. Visitors can discover the story of the harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks. A Cornish Beam Engine is available to visit via a guided tour. The Visitor Centre includes an exhibition area, shop and café.

The People’s Story explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people at work and play from the late 18th century to today. Visitors can see displays showing a bookbinder’s workshop, a wartime kitchen and much more, all packed with real objects. You can even see a former jail, an original part of this historic building.

The National Mining Museum Scotland is the national coal mining museum for Scotland and cares for the Lady Victoria Colliery and the national coal mining collections. The collections at the museum comprise over 60,000 items, including objects, archive material, photographs and books.

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