14th century attraction in Coventry claims prize for helping pupils learn history outside the classroom
A 14th century heritage attraction in Coventry has achieved national recognition for its educational visits less than two years after reopening to the public.
St Mary’s Guildhall has been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge for its work helping schoolchildren learn about different periods in history though hands on, engaging activities.
The educational program at the venue is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and made possible thanks to National Lottery players, to help enhance accessibility to the heritage site and collaborate with schools and young people in Coventry, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.
St Mary’s offers immersive workshops tailored to the curriculum, delving into a range of historical eras such as life in Medieval Coventry, Tudor banquets, and Victorian daily life. These customised workshops come complete with teacher handbooks and helpful pre-visit materials. Moreover, the educational team extends their expertise to Home Educator workshops, collaboratively crafted with Home Educators. Additionally, they provide a bursary to eligible schools, ensuring that educational excursions remain accessible and affordable.
The LOtC Quality Badge recognises quality of learning and effectiveness of risk management and is awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
Jessica Trodden, Schools and Families Learning Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, said: “Being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge is a fantastic achievement for all the staff here as it shows that we offer young people high quality learning experiences, bringing learning to life and helping them to achieve their potential.
“We're thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts, and we look forward to welcoming even more children and young people to our venue.”
Dr Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, said: “Educational visits are among the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life.
“The LOtC Quality Badge offers teachers the reassurance that the venue is providing high quality educational experiences and have the appropriate risk management structures in place, meaning less paperwork for schools and peace of mind for teachers.
“I congratulate St Mary’s Guildhall on being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge.”
Held by some of the leading providers of educational visits, the LOtC Quality Badge is endorsed by the Department for Education, and the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel Cymru recommends schools use awarded providers for their educational visit or trips.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Securing the LOtC Quality Badge is fantastic news for St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry. Many schools use the venue for educational visits giving pupils the chance to experience learning outside of the classroom.
“The team at St Mary’s Guildhall make these visits memorable by diving into historical experiences to spark the curiosity and imagination of pupils and I’m delighted that they’ve been recognised for their important work.
“I hope to see many more schools taking the opportunity to use Coventry’s historic St Mary’s Guildhall for educational visits in future.”
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, sustains ongoing events, activities, and capital investment at St. Mary’s Guildhall. Enhancing access to the venue and the renowned Coventry Tapestry.
This support enables St. Mary’s Guildhall to operate year-round as a heritage visitor attraction, underscoring its significance in the city and welcoming a broader spectrum of visitors to uncover its captivating historical narratives.
For more information about the LOtC Quality Badge visit www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk
