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Experience what life was like at Carisbrooke Castle for the people who lived there. The castle has experienced sieges, imprisoned kings, seen off the Spanish Armada and spans over 1000 years of history. What better way to bring the curriculum to life and cover multiple topics than to stand at the spot where history happened. Book a free self-led visit and find out more about how the changing role of Carisbrooke Castle, or choose from one of our two interactive Discovery Visits that will inspire your pupils.
Get in touch to find out more! Justification required.
The following links to external website(s) may be of interest to visiting groups:
On-site and Classroom resources published by English Heritage
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/education/resources/
Based on feedback from experienced teachers who have visited Carisbrooke Castle, here are some suggestions for learning activities related to this venue:
HistoryKS3: The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066 - 1509
The impact of the Norman Conquest: Key Question - How much did the Normans change the Isle of Wight?
KS2: A study of an aspect of history or a site dating from the period beyond 1066 that is significant in the locality.
Local history in the context of national events: Key Question - How did the Normans change the Isle of Wight
KS3: Development of Church, State and Society in Britain 1509 - 1745
Why was Carisbrooke Castle modernised in the Sixteenth Century
KS3: A study over time, testing how far sites in their locality reflect aspects of national history (some sites may predate 1066).
Why was Charles II imprisoned at Carisbrooke?
KS 2 & 3: A study over time, testing how far sites in their locality reflect aspects of national history.
Compare the defensive features of Sixteenth Century Yarmouth Castle with Eleventh Century Carisbrooke Castle (requires visit to other site)
KS1: Geographical skills and fieldwork
From the elevated position on the top of the Motte you can identify key features of physical and human geography Use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language [for example, near and far; left and right], to describe the location of features and routes on a map
KS2: Geographical skills and fieldwork
From the elevated position on the top of the Motte you can match the way information is represented on a map with how it is in reality. Use the eight points of a compass, four and six-figure grid references, symbols and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps) to build their knowledge of the United Kingdom and the wider world
KS3: Geographical skills and fieldwork
Use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the human and physical features in the local area using a range of methods, including sketch maps, plans and graphs, and digital technologies
Human geography relating to economic activity in the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary sectors.
Describe and explain why the site is suitable as a tourist attraction
KS2: Forces and magnets
The donkeys in the Elizabethan well house can be used to demonstrate that pulleys and gears allow a smaller force to have a greater effect
KS3: Democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens
Historic examples of; monarch, Parliament, government, law, judge, trial by jury
Produce a guide book suitable for children, collect guidebooks at the places you visit on the island, gather information about your site when there(split the group into teams and allocate them different aspects of the site to investigate), then produce it when you get back with a variety of prizes, good use of colour, written style, team work, pictures have been annotated.
The following information is not intended to form a comprehensive access statement; it is provided to highlight particular areas of concern for disabled visitors. We do not warrant that this information is fit for purpose or accurate. Education Destination will happily assist with gathering information in respect of particular concerns, or help you arrange an inspection visit.
To help you determine whether Carisbrooke Castle is suitable for your particular students, we've summarised any accessibility issues for you in the section below.
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Assistance dogs allowed
All pathways are either gravel, tarmac or grass and are fairly flat.
Assistance dogs allowed
Ground floor of museum is accessible but not the upper floor.
Assistance dogs allowed
Not wheelchair accessible
Many Island venues and attractions, especially those outdoors, have limitations on opening times during the year. Additionally, some have limits on the number of group tours on any given date for safety and capacity reasons.
This section helps you identify whether Carisbrooke Castle has any such restrictions during your preferred visit dates.
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A visit to Carisbrooke Castle is a whole day trip if undertaking on-site learning activities.
Open fully April - October. Open on certain days through winter - contact us for details.
Have a question about Carisbrooke Castle that's not answered here?
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In this section we've highlighted any special clothing or equipment you'll need to bring in order to get the most out of a visit to Carisbrooke Castle
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Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially if intending to tackle the Wall Walk which takes place at height.
One of the most common issues faced by teachers when planning trips is ensuring that all of the relevant paperwork is in place, and that the lead teacher and their assistants are fully briefed about each venue before they arrive.
Our experienced teachers have done most of this work for you. In this section you'll find a sample Risk Assessment covering all of the typical activities undertaken at Carisbrooke Castle by groups of students, along with a detailed "On The Day" Procedure which sets out everything you need to know about the site before you get there.
If there are any other mandatory considerations, such as HSE advice sheets for animal attractions or outdoor activity centres, you'll also find these below.
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A brief overview of Carisbrooke Castle prepared especially for teachers.
Download (PDF) →
For your convenience this generic risk assessment has been prepared to cover all of the typical activities undertaken at Carisbrooke Castle. You may use it as the basis for your own documentation. We do not warrant that this is either complete or accurate, and would be happy to help arrange a site pre-visit if required.
Generic Risk Assessment (PDF) →
Our handy guide to distribute to your adult supervisors just before arrival. This essential document sets out in summary form everything you need to know about the venue, from a useful site navigation map to the locations of toilets and first aid boxes, lost child procedures, special clothing or equipment requirements etc.
On-the-Day Procedure (PDF) →Verified feedback from previous group visits...
Maggie Howland, KS2 Teacher | 15/06/2016 | 34 x Upper KS2
"The learning at Carisbrooke Castle..war and weapons ... was pitched perfectly with games and activities to stimulate their thinking."
Lorraine Webb, KS2 SEND Teacher | 12/05/2016 | 12 x Upper KS2"Another excellent experience. We loved seeing the donkeys and walking round the grounds and playing on the cannons and trying out the armour and the instruments in the museum. The demo of the well house was again pitched just right for our children and they loved it. I think they rather liked the fact that our children chose to sing Happy Birthday to Jigsaw too :) The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful and it was nice for us to be able to do what we wanted as we chose to do it. "
Carisbrooke Castle is located at:
Carisbrooke Castle
Castle Hill
Carisbrooke
PO30 1XY
