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.
A visit to Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will give you the opportunity to explore the amazing shoe collection recognised as a collection of national importance. You can also find out about the history of Northampton and see our excellent art and ceramics collection.
Education Programme for Schools
Kirby Hall is one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses earlier owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I.
Although this vast mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always in the forefront of new ideas about architecture and design.
Tilbury Fort on the Thames estuary has protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to the Second World War.
Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.
We offer an excellent range of leisure facilities with the latest equipment, a great atmosphere with a real opportunity for you to make new friends, relax and achieve your fitness or weight loss goals. We are committed to providing you the customer with a high quality and innovative leisure experience.
Since being opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1986, The Queen Elizabeth II Centre has been the venue for thousands of successful events, many of them high profile. We have gained a reputation as a premier event venue in central London, and currently host around 400 events each year.
With nine permanent galleries, two exhibition galleries and hundreds of events and activities throughout the year, the City Museum and Art Gallery also provides an education service for schools, colleges, universities, pre-school children and young people, plus outreach and access services for community groups and adults.
This sandstone headland, south of Morecambe and north of Heysham port, rises majestically above the sea. See the remains of St Patrick's Chapel, built in the early Medieval period and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The eight body-shaped, rock-cut graves here are believed to be unique.
The Centre, opened in 1999, forms the focus for activities based on the 8th Century earthwork built by Offa, the King of Mercia. The dyke follows the Welsh English border from the hills above Prestatyn to the Severn Estuary near Chepstow.
Silver Award in the ‘Beautiful South’ Small Visitor Attraction of the Year. A stone’s throw from Southampton.
Tucked away in 440 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows close to the River Itchen. Go Ape Southampton, Itchen Valley Country Park is perfect for a family days out in Hampshire, and friends looking for awesome activities in Southampton, Portsmouth or Eastleigh.
Over 40 different activities from Tree Trekking to Tarzan swings.
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One of our highest adventures, close to a 2 million year old natural limestone cave.
Our Buxton Tree Top Adventure is set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park and within walking distance of the historic Spa town itself. One of the best days out in Derbyshire, you’ll enjoy high ropes, a zip wire and much much more.
A bowling centre located in the Foresters Leisure Park near Osmaston Park. We have 26 modern fully computerised lanes, American Pool tables, Amusement Arcades all catered towards families and kids. There is also the Beach Road Cafe Bar for some delicious meal and snack options!
In the heart of Rob Hood country, take a walk to the mighty Major Oak, pick up a fun family nature trail, try the playground or just stand and admire the weird and wonderful shapes of the ancient oak trees, twisted by age and weathered into living sculptures.
Only 10 minutes from the centre of Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich is less than 4 miles from Cairngorm Mountain. Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park offers something for everyone.
Highlights include Grotto Hill, where you can explore a pitch-dark labyrinth of ancient mines cut into the cliff; the Swiss Bridge, a rustic wooden structure perched over an unnervingly deep chasm; the Cleft, a path winding between two cliffs which narrows into a dark, creepy tunnel; and the Monument, a 100ft high column which can be climbed to enjoy panoramic views of up to 13 counties!
In the Lake District in Cumbria, this extensive working mill produced literally millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
Boasting boating lake, miniature railway, huge adventure playground, cricket facilities and plenty of open space for traditional family games.
UKs largest outdoor charity supervised skatepark for BMX, Skateboarding and Inline Skating. Open February to October. 2pm to 9pm term time 12 noon till 9pm Sat Sun Bank and school holidays. £3.50
Ride the hipper dipper waterslide 185ft long (bigger than your average flume). Plus 33m pool with diving area for 1, 3 and 5m boards. One of the many fun family places to visit if you're looking for the best things to do in Derbyshire with kids
A variety of activities available to burn off some energy!
A great venue for open water swimming, off road cycling and running, plus a number of watersports with courses just for kids and beginners.
If you and the kids like to walk, run or cycle, there is a 5km course to follow.
Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.
Finesse Leisure is passionate about watersports and has combined a variety of thrilling watersport activities with excellent amenities for your entertainment. Come and join us to enjoy a day on the water and choose the activity of your choice.
With grounds so large it will take you at least a week to explore them! There is a massive choice of holidays and accommodation, as well as an indoor pool and fantastic sports hall. If you want non-stop action and to make loads of new friends, then this is the place to come.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.