Overview

Day 1: Exploring Coventry’s Artistic Heritage

Get ready for a three-day creative journey in Coventry, a city that blends vibrant art, fascinating history, and cutting-edge culture. Designed with school groups in mind, this trip is packed with opportunities to inspire and engage young minds. From uncovering the stories behind Coventry Cathedral’s stunning stained glass to hands-on art workshops at The Herbert Art Gallery, your students will have plenty of chances to explore, create, and connect. Coventry’s rich artistic heritage makes it the perfect destination to spark imaginations and bring creativity to life!

Morning – Travel to Coventry
The trip begins with an exciting journey to Coventry, a city brimming with a unique blend of history and modern culture. Renowned for its artistic legacy, Coventry offers an inspiring setting for students to immerse themselves in creativity and learn how art shapes our understanding of the world.

Lunch
Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, fuelling the students for an afternoon filled with discovery and exploration.

Afternoon Activity – The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Begin your Coventry adventure with a visit to The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, a treasure trove of creativity in the heart of Coventry. Packed with exhibitions, workshops, and fascinating collections, it’s the perfect place to bring art and history to life for your students. Whether they’re diving into interactive activities or exploring centuries of artistic expression, this award-winning gallery has something to spark curiosity at every key stage. A visit to The Herbert is sure to leave students feeling inspired and ready to create their own masterpieces.

Key Stage Activities:

Key Stages 1 & 2 (5–11 years):
Pupils will explore the works of famous artists, develop new skills, and create their own art inspired by original pieces. Available workshops include:

• Exploring Paintings through Sketching: Pupils will analyse paintings and bring their observations to life through sketching activities.
• Sculpture: Hands-on sessions where pupils can experiment with shapes, materials, and 3D forms.
• Patterns & Prints: Discover the art of printmaking and learn how patterns can convey stories.
• Stories in Art: Exclusive to Key Stages 1 & 2, this session explores the narratives behind artworks, encouraging creative storytelling.

Key Stage 3 (11–14 years):
Pupils will delve deeper into art history, exploring how artworks reflect societal changes and experimenting with techniques such as sketching and sculpture. The sessions emphasise discussion and critical engagement with the gallery’s collection.

Key Stages 4 & 5 (14–18 years):
Older students will take an in-depth look at the purpose and meaning of art. They will participate in discussions around specific works in the collection, examining themes, artistic intent, and the broader cultural significance of the pieces.

Additional Opportunities:
Schools can also book an Arts Award Discover in a Day programme, which aligns with the Arts Award framework. This immersive workshop, available for groups of up to 32 pupils, allows students to complete the Arts Award in just one day.

Evening – Check-in and Dinner
After an inspiring afternoon, students will check into their accommodation, settling in before enjoying a group dinner.

Evening Activity – Art Journaling and Reflection
Students will wind down with a reflective session, journaling their thoughts and sketching ideas inspired by the day’s discoveries.

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Theatre

Morning Activity – Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral isn’t just a place of worship – it’s a stunning example of how art and architecture tell powerful stories. Your students will be amazed as they explore the contrast between the haunting ruins of the old cathedral and the striking modern design of the new one. From intricate stained glass windows to thought-provoking sculptures, every corner of this iconic site is filled with artistic details to discover. Workshops and guided tours help bring the cathedral’s history and creativity to life, making it an unforgettable experience for any school trip.

Key Stage Activities:

Early Years & Foundation Stage (3–5 years):
Workshops are designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity through sensory exploration and storytelling, including:

• Shapes and Patterns: Explore the Cathedral’s architecture and learn about the Creation Story through shapes and patterns.
• The Lost Sheep: Discover the story of the lost sheep while exploring animal motifs in the Cathedral.

Key Stages 1 & 2 (5–11 years):
Pupils can immerse themselves in the Cathedral’s history and art, developing knowledge and skills through:

• Signs and Symbols Workshop: Investigate the hidden meanings in the Cathedral’s art and furnishings.
• Art Workshop: Experiment with sketching, sculpting, and collage inspired by the Cathedral’s art and architecture.

Key Stages 3, 4 & 5 (11–18 years):
Older students can explore the Cathedral’s design and architecture with:

• Art and Architecture Tour: Examine the Cathedral’s design and atmosphere, including how its art and architecture reflect its spiritual and historical legacy.

Lunch
A well-deserved with packed lunch on the cathedral grounds gives students time to relax and recharge.

Afternoon Activity – Warwick Arts Centre

Warwick Arts Centre is where creativity comes alive. This vibrant cultural hub offers school groups a chance to dive into everything from bold contemporary art exhibitions to outdoor sculptures and live performances. It’s not just about looking, though – students can take part in hands-on workshops that encourage them to think differently and stretch their creative muscles. With its exciting mix of activities and a buzzing atmosphere, Warwick Arts Centre promises a fun and inspiring day out.

Key Stage Activities:

Early Years & Foundation Stage (EYFS, 3–5 years):
Young learners can immerse themselves in the arts through engaging, hands-on activities that encourage creativity and sensory exploration:

• Interactive Performances: Enjoy captivating shows designed for the youngest audiences, sparking imagination and introducing storytelling concepts.
• Sculpture Trail Adventure: Explore the free outdoor Sculpture Trail, engaging with shapes, textures, and forms in a natural setting.
• Gallery Explorations: Participate in guided sensory activities inspired by the exhibitions, helping children connect with art in a fun and accessible way.

Key Stages 1 & 2 (5–11 years):
Primary school pupils can delve deeper into the arts, connecting their visit to subjects such as English, Art, and PSHE:

• Gallery and Sculpture Trail Exploration: Enhance visual literacy and creativity with self-led visits supported by artist-designed resources or request a short talk from the curating team.

Key Stages 3 & 4 (11–16 years):
Secondary students can critically engage with art and performance, honing their analytical and creative abilities:

• Art Exhibitions: Analyse contemporary art in the gallery, developing critical thinking and visual analysis skills.
• Cross-Curricular Themes: Attend shows or exhibitions that align with subjects such as History, Science, or PSHE, fostering interdisciplinary learning.

Key Stage 5 & Further Education (16–18 years):
Older students can explore career pathways and develop deeper critical insights:

• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Engage with the curating and learning teams through short talks on exhibition design and arts management.
• Advanced Workshops: Collaborate with artists and performers to explore creative processes, developing practical skills and conceptual understanding.
• Curriculum-Linked Performances: Attend performances and events that align with A-Level or BTEC topics, offering fresh perspectives on key themes.

Unique Opportunities for All Key Stages:

• Sculpture Trail: A free outdoor experience that allows pupils to connect with art in a natural setting, promoting creativity and mindfulness.
• Tailored Workshops: The centre offers bespoke workshops upon request, tailored to your curriculum needs and learning objectives.

Evening – Dinner and Coventry Walk
After dinner, students can unwind with a guided evening stroll through Coventry’s streets, discovering its vibrant street art and illuminated landmarks.

Day 3: Creative Exploration in Leamington Spa

Morning Activity – Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

Located in the charming Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum is a hidden gem that’s perfect for school groups. The gallery’s collection of paintings, ceramics, and historical artefacts offers a little something for everyone, while interactive workshops make learning both engaging and fun. Set in a beautiful, historic building, this is the kind of place where students can connect with art and history in a more personal and hands-on way – a fantastic final stop for your trip.

Key Stage 1 (5–7 years):
Young learners can explore history and creativity through interactive and engaging activities:

• Art Workshop: Choose an artwork to inspire a hands-on art session, helping students explore artistic techniques and develop their creativity.
• Literacy at the Royal Pump Rooms: Create simple poems or imaginative stories inspired by the museum’s artefacts and artworks.

Key Stage 2 (7–11 years):
Primary students deepen their understanding of history, art, and literacy:

• Art Workshop: Explore different artistic styles and create a piece inspired by the museum’s extensive art collection.

Key Stage 3 (11–14 years):
Secondary students engage with more complex themes and critical thinking:

• Art at the Royal Pump Rooms: Examine artistic techniques and movements, followed by a practical workshop to create their own masterpieces.

Key Stage 4 & Key Stage 5 (14–18 years):
Older students can delve deeper into interdisciplinary learning and creative processes:

• Art Workshop: Focus on a specific artist or movement in the museum’s collection, developing analytical skills and creating an inspired piece of artwork.

Unique Opportunities for All Key Stages:

• Customised Workshops: The museum’s team can collaborate with educators to design tailored sessions based on specific curriculum needs.
• Interactive Displays: Students can engage directly with historical artefacts and artwork to foster a deeper connection to the material.
• Hands-On Learning Spaces: Workshops take place in a dedicated Craft Room for messy activities and in the Art Gallery and Museum for exploration and inspiration.

Lunch
Students will enjoy packed lunches in a nearby park or the gallery’s seating area, soaking up the final moments of their artistic journey.

Afternoon – Departure for School
With sketchbooks full and minds brimming with ideas, students will return to school with plenty of inspiration for future creativity.

This itinerary is just one of the many opportunities for exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Coventry and its connection to English and Drama. Whether your students are stepping into the world of Shakespeare, engaging with live theatre, or uncovering the stories behind Tudor England, this trip offers an unforgettable educational journey.

The details in this itinerary were accurate at the time of writing. If you’d like assistance in planning your school trip, our team is here to help. Contact us today to create a bespoke and inspiring experience tailored to your students’ needs.