VIP Visitors and Speech-Day Speakers

Our young people regularly meet inspirational people who show them they can aim high to achieve their dreams. From a famous astronaut to a ground-breaking virologist and leading volcanologist, our pupils often get to ask real history-makers, how they achieved awe-inspiring ambitions to change the world for good.

Historical Visits on our Doorstep & Beyond

Our pupils benefit from having a plethora of fascinating and historical attractions almost in our backyard. These range from York Castle Museum which has recreated a Victorian Street, to York Art Gallery with its world-class rotating collections, and York Theatre Royal, where our pupils see touring plays. These are all a short walk from school. 

This is not forgetting York Minster itself, under a minute away on foot, where our young people have access to a wealth of learning opportunities within the precinct of the Minster and the Minster’s Learning Centre. Our students can take part in historic events such as the enthronement of Archbishops, learn Art and Design Technology with a real stonemason and study real historic documents in the Minster archives.

Our curriculum is vastly enhanced by diverse out of school visits to innovative places where children can experience things first-hand, rather than just researching from secondary sources, both day trips and residential activities. 

Examples: our younger pupils take part in forest school activities, our Pre-Prep pupils visit Skipton Castle, Year 3 visit The Yorkshire Museum, Year 4 dress up for Victorian Day, at Ryedale Folk Museum. There are whole Prep trips to various theatres, Year 7 attend 3-day residential Geography field trips, and our Year 7 and 8s enjoy a week based in a French chateau.