Edinburgh Castle is a renowned historical landmark that offers an exceptional educational experience for school groups. Whether you’re planning a field trip for your students or simply curious about the castle’s educational offerings, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information to ensure a successful and engaging visit.
Booking and Planning
Organizing a school visit to Edinburgh Castle requires careful planning and preparation. The booking process typically involves filling out an enquiry form, and a minimum of 10 days’ notice is required. Group leaders can also arrange a free planning visit to help with the preparation of a risk assessment.
Recommended Adult-to-Child Ratios
Ensuring the safety and supervision of students is a top priority during a school visit to Edinburgh Castle. The recommended adult-to-child ratios are as follows:
| Age Group | Adult-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Under 5s | 1 adult for every 2 children |
| Ages 5-7 | 1 adult for every 6 children |
| Ages 8-16 | 1 adult for every 10 children |
Guidelines for Students and Teachers
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, it’s essential for both students and teachers to follow a set of guidelines:
- Supervision: Children under 16 must be supervised at all times during the visit.
- Behavior: Remind students to avoid running, making excessive noise, jumping, or climbing on cannons, railings, rocks, or walls. They should also observe “Keep off the Grass” signs and respect the Scottish National War Memorial.
- Lost Items: Inform a castle steward immediately if a bag or item is lost.
- Rubbish: Ensure students put all rubbish in the bins provided.
- Dress: Remind students to dress warmly, as the castle can be cold, wet, and windy.
Additional Resources and Support
To enhance the educational experience, Edinburgh Castle offers a variety of downloadable trails and online resources:
- Downloadable Trails: These include the Edinburgh Castle Maths Quest, World War One trail, and Edinburgh Castle Jacobite Trail.
- Online Resources: Utilize interactive ThingLink plans, 3D models, filmed guided tours, and learning resources from Twinkl to support your visit.
Travel Subsidy
Scottish schools can apply for a school visits travel subsidy, which covers 75% of transport costs (up to £300) for visits to heritage sites of national importance, such as Edinburgh Castle.
Contact Information
For any questions or assistance regarding school visits to Edinburgh Castle, you can reach out to the Learning & Inclusion Team at learning@hes.scot.
References
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). FREE learning visits. Retrieved from https://www.historicenvironment.scot/learn/free-learning-visits/
- Historic Edinburgh Tours. (n.d.). Our Tours For Schools. Retrieved from https://www.historicedinburghtours.co.uk/our-tours-for-schools
- Edinburgh Castle. (n.d.). Education bookings. Retrieved from https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/plan-your-visit/groups/learning-groups
- National Museums Scotland. (2013). Edinburgh Castle: Guidelines for Education Visits. Retrieved from https://www.nms.ac.uk/media/1152224/guidelines-for-education-visits-to-edinburgh-castle.pdf
Edinburgh Castle is a captivating historical site that offers a wealth of educational opportunities for school groups. By following the guidelines and utilizing the available resources, you can ensure a memorable and enriching visit for your students. Whether you’re planning a field trip or simply exploring the castle’s educational offerings, this guide provides you with the essential information to make the most of your Edinburgh Castle school visit.