Education
at Bradwell Abbey
Established in 1987, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre aims to increase understanding and appreciation of Milton Keynes' unique urban geography and rich history. We offer a diverse range of learning experiences tailored to Geography and History curriculum and beyond.
Visitors to MKCDC at Bradwell Abbey learn by walking the paths and inhabiting the spaces which have been used by local people for hundreds, even thousands of years. Through creative and cross-curricula learning we lead students to discover for themselves.
"Hands-on and engaging from the start, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre offers schools high quality, fun experiences which are full of learning. Costumes and artefacts coupled with the historic site immerse children in the narrative they have come to explore. Close attention is paid by the Centre’s experienced team to personalise visits to meet the needs, requirements and objectives of visiting schools, ensuring that every school experience something special every time."
Sandford Award Team
History
Our History programmes focus on hands-on, interactive learning, exploring Pre-history, Roman, Anglo-Saxons, Medieval, Tudors, and Stuarts, as well as Our City, Past and Present days. The days bring the period to life with dressing up, artefact handling, Q&A sessions, role play and more. We offer guided tours of medieval Bradwell Abbey and resources to accompany the visit.
Geography
Our Geography programmes cover Key Stage 2, 3, 4, post-16 and university groups. Focusing on Milton Keynes as a new town and urban locality, our programmes include comprehensive presentations tailored to age group and topic. Groups then embark on guided tours of the city to carry out fieldwork methods for data collection. Topics covered by our Geography programmes include local area studies, sustainability, contrasting localities, planning and design, transport, social and economic factors and more. We also produce tailor-made programmes for all age groups; if you've got your GCSE controlled assessment questions, talk to us about how we can help.
Geography Visit
The visits focus on Milton Keynes as an urban environment, and are information packed, giving students practical experience of geographical enquiry outside the classroom. A visit to MKCDC will give pupils the chance to develop their knowledge and understanding through interaction, presentation, debate, and fieldwork.
Suitable for: KS2, KS3, KS4, GCSE, 6th Form, A Level
Medieval
The visits focus on Milton Keynes as an urban environment, and are information packed, giving students practical experience of geographical enquiry outside the classroom. A visit to MKCDC will give pupils the chance to develop their knowledge and understanding through interaction, presentation, debate, and fieldwork.
Suitable for: KS2, KS3, KS4, GCSE, 6th Form, A Level
Teacher resources
Let us come to you
We can also offer in-school visits. If you are within an hour's drive of Milton Keynes we can bring the session to you. Contact the Education Officer to discuss this option further.
As an independent charity, we do charge for our education services. Prices start from £5.50 per head. Our costs are transparent, including worksheets and equipment. Accompanying adults are free of charge.
"Please pass our thanks on to Flavia and the camera person as they were excellent and I have spoken to several of the children this afternoon and they really enjoyed it. I am so glad that my session before was on the Roman Gods as the children were so switched on with Flavia's questions! Thanks so much and lets hope next year we can come to see you on site!"
John Hellins School
Public Information
As well as school groups, Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre welcomes home education and community groups. Whether you're from the Scouts or Guides or a local history society, consider a visit to Bradwell Abbey, we can provide for out of school hours activities for youth and community groups.
