A School Trip Back in Time at Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle scoops top education award for hands-on history education

Herefordshire school children have an educational gem on their doorstep, according to the Heritage Education Trust.

Goodrich Castle near Ross on Wye has just picked up a prestigious Sandford Award, presented for excellence in heritage education.

Costumed storytelling and hands-on historical investigation helped English Heritage to win the award, the industry’s top accolade for heritage education.

The judges said: "Taking part in a Discovery Visit at Goodrich Castle – especially 'Meet a Medieval Soldier' – ensures you will have a learning experience you will never forget."

English Heritage's Head of Education, Tina Corri, commented:  "This award is well-deserved for the team at Goodrich Castle, who have worked hard to bring history to life – particularly through their Discovery Visits – in the most engaging, interactive ways possible.

"Adding a Discovery Visit to an English Heritage school trip enhances the overall educational value of the experience, and makes it extremely memorable for both the pupils and teachers."

An important addition to the free visits already available to education groups at English Heritage properties, Discovery Visits offer enhanced, cross-curricular learning opportunities, with venues brought to life in exciting and memorable ways.  

Developed by English Heritage staff and specialist educators, and tied in to core subjects at each Key Stage, these workshops range from role play with costumed interpreters, to artefact handling, or even cracking secret codes.

A total of seven English Heritage properties were commended by the Heritage Education Trust including Osborne House on the Isle of Wight and Kenwood House in London, and the hands-on, inspirational Discovery Visits available at each were a key factor in the judges’ decisions.

To find out more about English Heritage’s education programme or for details of properties offering Discovery Visits, visit english-heritage.org.uk/education

For more information, please contact Jessica Brown at COI West Midlands on 0121 352 5514 or email Jessica.brown@coi.gsi.gov