Education at Carrickfergus Castle
Site description
A striking feature of the landscape from land, sea and air, Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. It represents over 800 years of military might. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the Castle saw action right up to World War II. Today it is maintained by the NIEA and can be enjoyed by visitors wanting to learn more about its history or just looking for a fun day out in a unique setting.
Curriculum Topic Links
Nursery and Foundations level (year 1&2) Pupils receive a 1 hour tour including dressing up and story telling.
Key Stage 1 (years 3&4) Pupils receive a 1 hour tour of the castle with a weapons display
Key Stage 2 (year 5, 6 & 7) Known as the Knights trail pupils are greeted by their guide in costume and are taken on a tour of the castle, where they will be expected to answer questions on the castle, the winning group will receive a small prize.
Key Stage 3 (year 8 to 10) The castle is ideal for those schools studying the Normans in year 8. The castle offers a standard 1 & ½ hour tour with weapons display with a choice of one activity for those schools and groups visiting between March and August. However Empathy days lasting up to 4 hours are also available from September to February. Empathy days consist of a general 1 & ½ hour tour plus the choice of two activities; the vaults are also available for lunch.
Activities at Key Stage 3
- Touch Boxes
- Feudal System
- Medieval Marriage
- Why Should we Preserve our Past?
- What am I made of?
- The Medieval Feast
Key Stage 4 (year 11 to 12) The castle is an ideal spot for those GCSE students using the castle as part of their local study for coursework. Pupils will receive a 1 and ½ tour focusing on medieval architecture and the changes in the castle since that time.
Key Stage 5 (year 13 to 14) At this level tours normally focus on heritage tourism, looking at the site not just for its history but how it functions as a business’
