Let’s get learning! In a mission to reconnect the young children of Kent to the wonderful county in which they live and learn, we recently ran our Lesson in a Box programme. Focusing around six of the best attractions in Kent, we asked KS2 students to put on their marketing hats and promote some iconic spots. Choosing between Dover Castle, Historic Dockyard Chatham, Canterbury Cathedral, Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, and Chartwell, the kids of Kent learned all about their local areas in the best way possible: a competition! Students all over the county spent weeks learning about these places, to then create a promotional campaign to send to us – so they’re pretty much the experts now. We got through some amazing entries, and then had the hardest job of choosing the winners. It took us a while, learning a lot along the way about the fabulous Kent, and we’ve finally put together our favourites. In no particular order, here they are!
Dover Castle
Cecil Road Primary
We’ve got a fantastic video to start off with – and it’s filled with just as much glamour as it is with facts! Cecil Road Primary School are here to show and tell you about Dover Castle and its amazing educational value. With it being one of the oldest places in the Garden of England, it’s a must for any itinerary on a visit to Kent. They’ve told us just how easy it is to book tickets online, so “come right now and get ready to enjoy!”
Historic Dockyard Chatham
Snodland CE Primary
Next up is the most colourful poster from Snodland CofE Primary here to tell you all about The Historic Dockyard Chatham! Travel back in time to 400 years ago as you explore the excitement of the dockyard, with lots of fun games to play and rich history to soak up. They’ve even given us some reviews to let us know what other people think – from having “awesome times” to “enjoying every moment”. The Historic Chatham Dockyard awaits you and the family!
Canterbury Cathedral
Newington Primary School
Want to learn about the iconic Canterbury Cathedral? Look no further than the kids at Newington Primary School, who are now experts on the oldest cathedral in England. Their poignant poster has great information about the Crypt, the architecture and, most importantly, the stained-glass windows. For instance, did you know that some of the windows are over 800 years old? We did, thanks to Newington Primary! So, in their words – don’t delay, visit today!
Chartwell
Deal Parochial School
Delve deep into the world of Chartwell as the kids from Deal Parochial School tell us all about the 1922 National Trust house in Westerham. With info from tree houses to Churchill, this fact file is as extensive as it gets! They told us all about the rescue cat that lives on the property, Jock VII (that’s just Jock to his friends). Be on the lookout for him as you tour around the property and hop on the swings, escape a bomb crater and, once you’ve tired yourself out, have a snooze in a hammock! Thanks Deal Parochial students for telling us all about it.
Hever Castle
Brookland CofE Primary
In a wonderfully educational poster, Brookland CofE Primary taught us all about 13th century Hever Castle. With photographs, drawings, and facts galore, this entry is sure to amaze. The poster tells us about the “mysterious mazes, colossal castle, cosy café, and wonderful water maze”. With alliteration like that, they’ll be writing for Visit Kent in no time! The kids at Brookland made sure to tell us about the interesting architecture of the grounds, and the fact there are over 4000 roses at Hever – who wouldn’t want to see that!? Check out the Hever Castle website to see how you can explore the colossal castle and all its wonders!
Leeds Castle
Bethersden Primary School
Last, not least, and perhaps most dramatic, is Bethersden Primary School with their video on Leeds Castle. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as you watch nominees for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor on screen, in the role of Lady Baillie and avid journalist. With a legendary performance to write home about, you won’t even notice the amount you’re learning – you’ll think you’ve been transported to Hollywood! In the video, we learn everything about the castle’s past and present – how Lady Baillie’s golf course is now an adventure golf course with a medieval castle theme; how her beloved birds (eaten by horrid Henry VIII at his banquets) now can live on at the Birds of Prey Centre, and lots more! And, cut!
