Thirlestane Castle Opens Its Doors To Education
The experiences that contribute to children’s development and learning are defined by social and cultural contexts – the family and the home; the school environment; the children and adults within it; the surrounding community. Children engage with the world in a direct and interactive manner and through visits outside the classroom encourages an active learning approach through which children construct meaning from experience about the social and physical world that surrounds them.

Thirlestane Castle 5-14 Resource Pack
Comprehensive Guide to Thirlestane Castle – transferring the castle and its resources into a working 5-14 teacher’s resource pack.

Compiled By Teachers For Teachers
Studies include: Castles, Victorians, Indoor / Outdoor Living, Then and Now, Toys, Clothes, Fairy Tales, Nursery Rhymes, Upstairs / Downstairs Living, Art Works, Farming, Fishing, Country Life Museum, History and Dates, etc.

The Resource Pack includes:

• Information: guide books, maps and general information.
• Lesson Plans: written by teachers for teachers. Curriculum based and incorporating: stage / attainment level.
• Key Strands: aim of study, attainment outcome, follow-up, etc.

A wide range of suggested topics and plans can be linked with a visit to Thirlestane.

• Prepared art / craft, games, handwriting activities, and more.
• English / drama, plays, eg The Giant and the Blue Castle.
• Midside Maggie.

Packs are available at a cost of £12.

Facilities available at Thirlestane:

• Special Room for School Parties – entry by 'secret' stairway.
• On site Education Advisor.
• Castle guided tour.
• Picnic tables / play area.
• Adventure playground.
• Woodland walk.
• Shop.
• Dressing up in Nursery.
• Eagle /owl hunt.

One of our new attractions at Thirlestane is a magnificent four storey Georgian dolls' house.

Thirlestane Castle is an ideal location to further enhance children’s development in all areas. Using the facilities and space provided will encourage children’s interactions, stimulating them to become active learners, and will provide opportunities for them to:

• Make choices and decisions.
• Use materials in flexible and imaginative ways.
• Initiate enquiry and ask questions.
• Work collaboratively with others.
• Sustain their interests and extend their knowledge.
• Develop understanding.

Visit Thirlestane Castle and discover it is much more than a pretty façade! A very warm welcome awaits you!