Viking School Visits
Most schools these days are used to working with external musicians, sports coaches, and dance teachers. But what about using an external visitor to help with your history topic? If you want a WOW factor to your history topic, trips out of school are the obvious way to go; there are many excellent museums that cater to schools. However, trips can also be expensive, a logistical nightmare and you run the risk of losing children in the gift shop or having them run off to look at the Egyptians when they are supposed to be concentrating on Greeks. Using an external history visitor can really engage the children in a way a museum can’t. Children can handle the artefacts, try their hand at crafts, be immersed through role play and drama, and really get a feel for life in the period. The workshop will also cover more topics and at greater depth than you can in lessons. But how do you know you’re getting the best for your budget? The workshop leader should be an expert in their period. They should wear authentic period costume to present workshops and bring a variety of props, artefacts and activities for use throughout the day. Here’s five easy steps to follow when choosing a historical visitor: Read the website Thoroughly checking out their website should give you a feel for the level of professionalism and you should see some photographs of the person in costume. Ask for references Even if there are testimonials on their website, reputable history visitors will be more than happy to provide you with referees from schools they have previously worked with. 3 Check the details Is the visitor insured? Will they provide a risk assessment and invoice? At what point is your booking guaranteed? Do you have to pay a deposit? Is the visitor DBS checked? Be prepared to pay While there are a few people who will visit your school for free, most people will ask a fee plus expenses. As with all things in life, you gets what you pays for! Costumes, artefacts, and resources all take time and money to prepare and maintain, and overheads must be covered. Speak to or email the visitor personally If the visitor is part of an agency, speak to the person who will be visiting your school. It’s important to get a feel for who that person is and if they will be right for your group. Hopefully these tips will help you to choose the best history visitor for your topic. A good workshop can fire children’s imagination for weeks afterwards; a bad one can be dull, uninspiring and a waste of both time and money! https://vikingschoolvisits.com
Waterborn – Stand Up Paddleboard School
Waterborn – Stand Up Paddleboard School based in Kingsbridge, South Devon We are a dedicated British SUP Association school teaching to the highest standards within the industry. Waterborn has been also been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by Red Paddle Co. the world’s leading ISUP Brand. At our sheltered location at the head of the picturesque Salcombe/Kingsbridge Estuary we specialise in beginner sessions but cater for all things SUP. All of our staff are passionate, professional and highly knowledgeable in their dedicated specialities within the sport and we pride ourselves on bringing you the best SUP experience. Whether it’s your first time on a board, exploring on a tour, relaxing with some SUP Yoga or enjoying a game of SUP Polo we have you covered for all your SUP needs. We want to encourage children to make the most of the water and have committed to provide sessions at a 50% discount to school groups. SUP has both physical and mental benefits as well as being a highly social sport; we can also tailor sessions to encourage team building. SUP promotes an active lifestyle which is vital for a healthy and happy future. We teach from the age of 6 and the eldest out was 92 so have success in teaching all ages/fitness abilities/needs and learning styles. We provide all the equipment needed, you just need to turn up in t-shirt and shorts or swimming costume but you are more than welcome to use our wetsuits if required. We also run a club and have dedicated Junior Club sessions for those that can already SUP independently. This is a fantastic way to continue to learn skills, technique and generally have fun out on the water. Our club has also been crowned UK Club Champions in both 2015 and 2018 and we hope soon to win the UK Junior club trophy as well. If you would like to try SUP, go on a tour or develop your skills further please contact us on 07908 193632, email us at Info@waterborn.uk.com or come into our office at Waterborn, The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1JZ and one of the team will be happy to help. We are restricted by tides so this will dictate when we can get out; we also require a 20% deposit to secure any bookings. See you on the water!
Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre
Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre is located on the edge of Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offers a truly unique experience for schools and youth groups. Our 120 acres of mixed woodland and parkland offer fantastic opportunities to learn and experience the outdoors. We have lots of residential packages available now from a simple 24 hour sleepover through to a weekend, several days or a full week-long camp. These packages include everything: Programme, tested or lodge accommodation, and catering. On arrival you are welcomed by your group leader for the weekend. They will be your main point of contact and they will work with you to ensure your stay is smooth. They will be on hand to add filler games when needed or to leave your group to have some free time to visit the shop maybe. Our Guest Services team will work with you prior to arrival to plan your activity programme. If you are in lodge accommodation or our tented village, hammock camp or our basic camping you’ll have tea and coffee making facilities for the leaders available. Meals will be served in a separate dining room at camp centre. You just turn up with your own personal kit and start your camp. At the end of your camp, you pack your own personal kit and go home, no washing up, no lodge to clean, no tents to dry or equipment to take back. Simple and easy. From working with you to build an excellent programme, to the final delivery of the activity sessions, you are the centre of everything that we do at Beaudesert. Starting with your targets or hopes for your stay, the Guest Services Team will discuss the programme with you so that you and your young people have the best possible experience during your visit. With over forty activities to choose from, we can guarantee that there will be something new, challenging, or will promote the development of your group, and our experienced instructors will judge your experience, offering appropriate challenges within each session. Our activities are exciting and our instructors are passionate about delivering the very best sessions for your group. Our catering staff look after all of your dietary requirements with care. Every person is treated as an individual and our team will ensure you are well fed during your stay. With a varied and tasty menu through to hot chocolate in the evening their friendly service will make meal times memorable. Your adventure starts when you make contact with us. Our friendly Guest Services Team will talk you through the options and provide you with a quotation. You are more than welcome to come and look around the centre to see the facilities for yourself.” Visit us at www.beaudesert.org.uk email info@beaudesert.org.uk or call us on 01543 682278
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd A traditional steam train, taking passenger on a unique journey to the tip of Lake Windermere. The perfect addition to your Lake District adventure. Established in 1973 The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is a family run business in the heart of the Lake District. The track which passengers travel upon today was a former Furness Railway branch line, initially used to transport coal and iron ore, bobbins, dye, gunpowder and much more, in and out of the Leven Valley, as well as a booming trade in tourist traffic to visit Windermere by Lake Steamer. The industry and tourist visitors declined and by the late 1960’s the railway was shut. The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd was formed to re-open the line and with the help of many volunteers it succeeded and the line re-opened to tourist in May 1973. Today the company are very proud of their lovingly restored and maintained fleet of steam locomotives, which are available to view in the engine shed. Haverthwaite railway is home to a magnificently renovated and working Fairburn Class 4 MT tank engines, along with another under restoration as we speak – the only remaining locos of this type to survive. Different engines are used throughout the season to haul passengers through the tranquil scenery of the Leven Valley. The train heaves it’s passengers up the steeply graded line, leisurely transporting guests to Lakeside Station, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises. Lakeside railway station neighbours the Lakeside pier making it an easy transition from the steam trains to the steam boats. You can also combine the steam train journey with other local attractions in the surrounding area, making it an exciting day to explore the Lake District. These include Windermere Lake Cruises, The World of Beatrix Potter, Lakeland Motor Museum, The Lakes Aquarium, Brockhole, Rydal Mount and Holker Hall. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life when you come to the railway, you are transported back in time to a place of nostalgia and calm. The beautiful surroundings at Haverthwaite Station entice guests to stop a while. At the Victorian Station visitors can spend a while in the comfortable and friendly surroundings of the Station Restaurant, serving quality home-cooked refreshments. They use local suppliers whenever possible and have their own speciality, the homemade fruit scone, served with freshly whipped cream and fruit jam. They really are scrumptious! The station is sheltered by British woodland, providing a beautiful canopy filled with wildlife, but also, nestled behind the gift shop is a children’s adventure playground. Adults can relax in the safe, peaceful environment while their children will love to discover the climbing structures, nets, slides and much more! From the playground is a magical short walk, winding through ancient trees, it’s a small climb to the summit but well worth it to experience the glorious vistas of the surrounding area. On a clear day views as far as the ‘Hoad Monument’ a local landmark of the closest town Ulverston can be seen. Find out more
Little Owl Farm
Little Owl Farm is a family run business owned by Mr John Beck and Miss Cindy Bramhall. We are located on Lower Ship Farm in Grains Bar, Oldham, OL1 4SX. We opened our doors in March 2016 offering our visitors the benefit of local access to the countryside and the opportunities we have to offer; a safe environment to engage in hands-on activities with exposure to the living environment. Our animals are housed both inside and outside and our friendly ducks, chickens, and peacocks roam freely about the area. We have a variety of animals to meet and feed including rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, tortoises, fish, donkeys and owls. Tawny Owl Toilets provides the necessary hand washing facilities and is wheel chair and push chair accessible. Cindy’s Café serves locally sourced fresh food and drink options with indoor seating and our outdoor eating area boasts a picturesque view of the countryside. The view is equally impressive from our picnic area. The parking area has ample room for all vehicles (ie car, van, mini bus, coach, tractor) to negotiate safely. We advise for anyone with additional needs to please call ahead to arrange for safe vehicle access via the footpath. During term time we offer educational group visits to include curriculum based sessions lead by a qualified teacher. We work closely with teaching staff to ensure that the content relates to current topics and key learning outcomes are met. Our School Visitor’s Pack includes Risk Assessments and we provide additional topic related handouts for students to complete in review of their session at Little Owl Farm. Miss Bain (Reception Teacher, St Mary’s RC Primary, Littleborough) says; “We have been returning to Little Owl Farm for the last few years and find it the perfect setting for our annual Early Years trip & the children love it! The owners Cindy and John are extremely personable and always offer a warm welcome. They work closely with you to plan the details of your day and always offer a wide range of activities.” During the school holidays we offer themed activities and crafts, Forest School Taster Sessions and of course, the opportunity to meet all our farmyard friends! Please visit our Facebook page for our schedule of activities and events. Little Owl Farm aims to provide a safe, friendly and FUN opportunity for all ages and abilities to learn about the countryside, small animals, agriculture and the importance of sustainability of the local environment. Find out more
UK’s Got Legal Talent!
Kingsley Napley LLP is delighted to announce the launch of The Legal Apprentice, a nationwide competition, in conjunction with The Times, which invites year-12 pupils from all 4,168 secondary schools across the UK to compete to win a place as a solicitor apprentice at the London-based law firm. The brainchild of Stephen Parkinson, Kingsley Napley’s newly-appointed Senior Partner, The Legal Apprentice embodies Stephen’s and the firm’s desire to expand legal career opportunities to students from non-traditional backgrounds who are underrepresented in the profession. The competition, will see pupils work together in teams to complete three-rounds of ‘heats’ which will test their legal knowledge, negotiation and drafting skills. Four groups will then be picked by Kingsley Napley to take part in a live final in June 2019, at the offices of The Times’ parent company, News UK. All students in the winning team will receive £500 each and will be interviewed individually by Kingsley Napley for the chance to win a legal apprenticeship at the firm after completing their A-Levels. Stephen Parkinson comments: “Kingsley Napley is keen to spearhead the drive to increase social mobility within the legal profession. There are many highly-talented pupils across the UK who may not previously have considered a life in law, perhaps believing it to be the preserve of the privileged few. I urge all schools to encourage entries from their pupils – the law has given me so much in my lifetime, I want to enable a greater range of students to experience such an enriching career.” Teachers must register their school’s interest by 18 December 2018 via a dedicated web page (https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/the-legal-apprentice). Once teachers have registered, students from their school will be able to sign up. Kingsley Napley has devised a series of teaching aids, available to all who enter, which are designed to support teachers in educating their students on matters involving the application of both civil and criminal law.
KidZania London STEAMs into October
Launching Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October, KidZania London – the indoor city run by kids at Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush – will be hosting an action-packed STEAM Week, inspiring kids to develop their skills across science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. With 2018 seeing the launch of the government’s Year of Engineering campaign, of which KidZania is an official partner, there has been an increased focus towards recognizing and celebrating STEM subjects and careers spanning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, KidZania also recognises that the demand for arts resources has also rocketed, as teachers are increasingly championing the importance of creative thinking and visual learning in the classroom. The three-day STEAM festival will look to merge these disciplines together, demonstrating that no matter where children’s strengths are, whether its number crunching or a way with words, there are careers and opportunities out there for everyone to explore. From STEAM-themed world record challenges with Guinness World Records Live, to slimy Jelly Belly X-ray operations with PDSA and structure building workshops with Engineering Development Trust, there will be fun and educational workshops to bring the school syllabus to life – whether that’s on a school trip or a weekend visit with the family. Eddie Kemsley, CEO at KidZania comments: “Embracing creativity through the arts is something we positively encourage at KidZania – whether through our Book of The Month Activity with Little Tiger, inspiring even the most reluctant book worms, to our music academy and dance studio. We are hugely excited to be incorporating this into our existing STEM focus, to really demonstrate the wide variety of subjects and career opportunities out there. She continues: Not everyone can be great at numbers or science, but as some of the most innovative engineerable solutions have been developed by creative thinkers, it’s important for us to be able to showcase the importance of arts subjects too.” Exciting partnership activities include: Take the Guinness World Record Challenge 5th – 7th October Does your child have what it takes to be the next Guinness World Record Holder? KidZania’s Guinness World Record Live event will put kids to the test with one of three STEAM-themed world record challenges. Jelly Belly Operation at PDSA – Saturday 6th October Join PDSA for a fun and interactive Jelly Belly Operation. Examine X- rays and find the foreign bodies in our pet patient’s slimy stomach! Design and Build with the Engineering Development Trust 5th – 7th October Come and get involved in one of our fun ‘hands on’, design, build and test challenges with the Engineering Development Trust.. KidZania believes in ‘Learning by Doing’. By bringing the classroom to life in the city, it aims to boost children’s curiosity and imagination through curriculum-based real-life activities. To book tickets for your school trip now, please email schools@kidzania.co.uk or call 0330 131 3335. See KidZania.co.uk for more details. Twitter – @KidZaniaLondon Instagram – @KidZaniaLondon Facebook – /KidZaniaLondon Pricing: Access to all additional activities is included in the entrance price £14 per child. Reduced pricing available for schools with a high Pupil Premium level Learning outcomes: KS1 – KS2 Science KS1 – KS3 Maths, Art, Design & Technology and PSHE About KidZania London: At KidZania London, children can take part in real-life adventures. Spanning across 75,000 square feet, KidZania is an amazing indoor city built just for kids! KidZania provides children with the opportunity try out a variety of real life role-play activities from being a firefighter, journalist to a surgeon. Each role-play is developed to teach kids essential life skills including financial literacy, teamwork and independence. Designed to empower and entertain kids, KidZania gives them the chance to challenge themselves and gets children thinking about which career they may pursue in the future. KidZania is a unique role-play experience for 4-14 year olds, blending learning with reality and entertainment.
KidZania London partners with UK Parliament Week in November
KidZania London, the indoor city run by kids, has teamed up with UK Parliament Week to host a series of exciting activities and workshops for schools, supporting the provision of Key Stages 1-3 PSHE learning. Designed to teach students about the world of politics, debating and current issues, the KidZania’s Parliament Fair will run on the 14th to 16th November 2018. Bookings are now open for schools to book class visits during the autumn term. UK Parliament Week is an annual festival that engages people from across the UK with Parliament, explores what it means to them and empowers them to get involved. As part of KidZania’s involvement in the fair, the two-day roster will include a number of special parliament-focused activities, designed to educate school children about political system in the UK and excite them about the host of interesting careers available in the world of politics. The roster includes: Learn to be a political journalist with Shout Out UK Shout Out UK is a multi-award winning independent youth news platform that provides young people with the tools necessary to engage in politics and a platform to shout out and be heard. Two journalists from Shout Out UK will be running an exciting workshop across the two days where children will learn what it takes to report on the latest political news. Children will select news stories from the agenda that day, write them up, and then react like a real newsroom when a breaking story comes in. Usborne Books: Politics for Beginners workshop Usborne is the UK’s leading specialist children’s book publisher: an independent, family business, which creates engaging, innovative, accessible books for children of all ages. Inspired by the best-selling children’s book, Politics for Beginners, KidZania will be running a workshop on behalf of Usborne, teaching children all about debating, canvassing and the voting system. What’s more, schools who book a visit on one of the two days will also receive five copies of Politics for Beginners for their school. The KidZania Ballot Box Over at the KidZania polling station, children will get to vote on a variety of political issues, demonstrating how the UK voting system enables their voices to be heard on topics that directly affect them. KidZania will also be using the ballot box to get feedback from real children in order to make positive changes to the city. Take a politics degree in the KidZania University Updated to focus on the UK political system, children can take the KidZania University Degree to broaden their knowledge and earn extra KidZos at the same time! KidZania London offers 4-14 year olds exciting real life activities, spanning across 75,000 square feet. Blending learning with reality and entertainment, each career at KidZania is developed to teach kids essential life skills including financial literacy, teamwork and independence. Designed to empower and entertain kids, KidZania gives children the chance to challenge themselves and explore the world of opportunities. If your child has ever dreamt of becoming a pilot, a firefighter or the next award-winning actor, watch the excitement on their faces as they try out real life activities! The concept effectively gives them their first taste of independence and gets kids thinking about what they might want to be in the future. To book tickets for your school trip now, please email schools@kidzania.co.uk or call 0330 131 3335. See KidZania.co.uk for more details. Twitter – @KidZaniaLondon Instagram – @KidZaniaLondon Facebook – /KidZaniaLondon Learning outcomes: KS1 – KS3 PSHE ECONOMIC WELLBEING AND BEING A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN • To research, discuss and debate topical issues, problems and events that are of concern to them • Why and how rules and laws that protect them and others are made and enforced Pricing: Access to all additional activities is included in the entrance price £14 per child. Reduced pricing available for schools with a high Pupil Premium level About KidZania London: At KidZania London, children can take part in real-life adventures. Spanning across 75,000 square feet, KidZania is an amazing indoor city built just for kids! KidZania provides children with the opportunity try out a variety of real life role-play activities from being a firefighter, journalist to a surgeon. Each role-play is developed to teach kids essential life skills including financial literacy, teamwork and independence. Designed to empower and entertain kids, KidZania gives them the chance to challenge themselves and gets children thinking about which career they may pursue in the future. KidZania is a unique role-play experience for 4-14 year olds, blending learning with reality and entertainment.
Sound and light show launches children’s competition to voice major event
The Enchanted Forest sound and light show is launching a competition to find a child who can lend their voice to the award-winning event. Auditions are open for the Voice of The Enchanted Forest competition, which is calling for children aged between 5 and 12 to record a script to be used during the month-long event at Pitlochry’s Faskally Wood this October. The winning Voice will appear in a recording to be played to tens of thousands of visitors as they travel by bus from Pitlochry to the forest for the event, which organisers expect to be another sell-out. The Voice will welcome visitors to the forest and remind them of some important health and safety messages. The competition is being run in conjunction with Bauer Radio and its Radio Tay, Radio Forth and Radio Clyde stations. The winner will record a pre-written script at one of the three radio stations, get VIP access to the station, and be guest of honour at the show’s special preview night on 27th September. This year’s Enchanted Forest show, Oir an Uisge, runs from September 28th to October 29th 2017. Event organisers The Enchanted Forest Community Trust have released a record 72,000 tickets for Oir an Uisge, which are already selling fast. The organisers fully expect the show to sell out before opening night for the first time in its history. Ian Sim, chairman of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, said: “Families and children are crucial to the success of The Enchanted Forest, which is why we’re delighted to be running this competition along with Bauer Radio. We’re looking for a child with a voice that’s friendly, fun and assertive so that visitors will sit up and take notice as they’re bused to the event. The winner will get a sneak preview of the event, and some VIP treatment from us and our radio partners.” Kelly Murdoch, sales and events coordinator with Bauer Radio, said:”The Enchanted Forest is a mainstay of Scotland’s events calendar so we’re excited to be on board with them for this unique competition. We can’t wait to hear from all the talented kids out there and also to invite them behind the scenes to one of our radio stations. We just hope they don’t put our DJs out of a job!” To enter the competition, call 01738 400140 and follow the audition instructions or go to www.tayfm.co.uk, www.forth1.com and www.clyde1.com. Details are also at www.enchantedforest.org.uk. The competition runs until midnight on September 12th. Tickets and more information on The Enchanted Forest are available on www.enchantedforest.org.uk