Interesting places to visit with your pupils
Educators all know the value of trips and excursions and deciding on the places to visit is an exciting part of the planning process.
London has some amazing destinations and spending some time discovering what the City has to offer is often as exciting and as interesting as visiting them!
Most places of interest will have an education department and education officers to support with the learning once your class has arrived at the venue. There are generic and bespoke educational sessions, downloadable resources for pre, during and post visit and usually an interactive element if a completely independent visit is desired.
I will be outlining my top 3 places to visit in the following categories; have a look, visit and I trust you enjoy!
1. Museums and Galleries
The Geffrye Museum – Interiors and design
The Geffrye explores the home from 1600 to the present day. Evocative displays of London living rooms and gardens illustrate homes and home life through the centuries, reflecting changes in society, behaviour, style and taste.
Set in beautiful 18th-century almshouse buildings, the museum is surrounded by gardens – a much-loved oasis in the heart of inner-city London.
An expansive environment in which to experience contemporary art and culture in dialogue with artists and other creatives.
Touch real museum objects from around the world in our curriculum-linked learning sessions, or explore our galleries with downloadable resources; there is so much on offer for schools visiting the Horniman.
2. Parks and Gardens
The Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Children and young people love to play, explore, dash about, and let their imaginations soar in this magical space. There is a sensory trail, teepees, a beach around the pirate ship and various toys and play sculptures; all set against a lush backdrop of trees and plants. There is plenty of seating so the adults can relax too.
The design has created an area where less able and able-bodied children can play together and seek to provide for the physical, creative, social and educational development of your children. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, the playground encourages children to explore and follow their imaginations, learning whilst they play.
Victoria Park is one of London’s most important historic parks and its oldest public park, visited by millions of Londoners for nearly 170 years as a place of healthy recreation, sports, play and relaxation.
A wide range of formal and informal sports, sponsored activities, events and festivals take place throughout the year.
St James’s Park provides habitats for a variety of different species. One of the key habitats in the lake. It is home to a wide range of bird life and has nesting sites on Duck Island and West Island.
3. Sports and Activities
The Centre offers activities for schools all year round in curricula time and after-school clubs. The Centre is approved by Learning Outside The Classroom and sessions are run by qualified and experienced staff.
Programmes are available for children aged 5 – 18.
Nestled in the corner of Brockwell Park, the lido is a much-loved local landmark which has been at the heart of your local community since 1937. Offering an open-air pool to enjoy.
Maybe summer only dependent on the British weather!
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is free to visit every day of the week. It is home to the London Stadium, the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the London Aquatics Centre, the Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre; as well as parklands, waterways, playgrounds and cafes.
There is always something new to explore; experience sports, events and iconic venues, or just a place to relax and take in the views.
4. Cultural and Research
Black Cultural Archives is the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. The relevance of our history is universal.
Inspirational visits to engage learners with the British Library’s unique collections. Their programme of curriculum-linked workshops for Primary, Secondary and FE learners encourages curiosity, creativity and exploration.
Led by a team of specialist educators and using the Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre and our exhibitions, sessions develop critical thinking, research skills and visual, verbal and information literacy.
Self-guided visits are also available to book, offering an opportunity for independent exploration of our galleries and public spaces.
The National Art Library of the Victoria and Albert Museum
The National Art Library is a major public reference library for the fine and decorative arts and is the V&A’s curatorial department for the art, craft and design of the book.
Hidden away on the first floor of the V&A, its collection contains books on prints, drawings, woodwork, textiles, metalwork and is free to use for all members of the public!
Wherever you decide to take your pupils the benefits of learning outside of the classroom are enormous and the opportunities vast!
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