Supporting history, science and environmental learning
Schools and White Dragon
White Dragon’s offer to schools is unique.
We’re more than an activity centre. We offer the usual action-oriented fun (in absolutely stunning surroundings), but we also provide hands-on educational talks in two specific areas:
the history of medieval and Tudor warfare
the history of archery, from ancient times to the present day
survival in a natural environment (including sustainable practice)
Our head coach is an expert in these fields and has given talks to schools, community groups, Scouts and Guides and museum visitors of all ages all over the UK. We’re also happy to let you get hands-on with authentic medieval props!
All our staff are enhanced DBS-checked, highly trained, SEN-experienced and passionate about ensuring every child can build knowledge and confidence through hands-on learning.
Whether you want an end-of-year treat or a trip to bring the curriculum alive, contact us.
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Come to us, or we come to you. We provide coaches and equipment to cycle large or small groups of children through your choice of activities: archery, Nerf target shooting, bushcraft (survival skills), den-building, map-reading or safe lightweight axe throwing.
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Recurve bows suitable for KS2–KS4 pupils, coached by enhanced DBS-checked staff.
Curriculum link: PE – target games; maths – data capture (group scores).
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Handle replica longbows, arrows, mail and armour while our coach (in full costume) unpacks daily life, food and battle roles.
Curriculum link: History – medieval / Tudor; English – story prompts. -
Build a tarp shelter, light a fire with flint & steel, learn safe knife basics in a supervised circle.
Curriculum link: Geography & PSHE – outdoor safety, team resilience.
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‘Fletching’ means arrowmaking, or the process of adding feathers to make a wooden shaft fly. Watch arrows built step-by-step; talk through various arrows from history and how people slowly improved their aerodynamics; pupils fletch a blunt length of dowel to take home.
Curriculum link: Design & Technology – materials, aerodynamics.
We can come to you…
We have over ten years’ experience delivering safe, curriculum-linked and inclusive archery and history sessions on school grounds.
Schools we have recently served include White Trees, Doucecroft, Gosfield, Thriftwood, Market Field and Holy Trinity.
We’ve also provided activities and talks for the National Trust, Colchester Archaeological Society, the Mary Rose Trust, and many other respected institutions.
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Safely netted and fenced lanes for archery, axe throwing or Nerf target shooting. Recurve bows and arrows suitable for KS2 to KS4 pupils. Coaches with children at all times to guide safe technique and build confidence.
Requirements: Flat grass or hard-standing space measuring at least 28 m × 12 m. -
Lively, funny, interactive talk by head coach Mark and assistant in medieval/Tudor kit. We bring authentic longbows, armour, and other props tailored to topic and age. Children are encouraged to handle props.
Requirements: Indoor or outdoor classroom, or hall. Slideshow optional. -
45-min talk + 45-min archery rotation. Or multiple onsite activities which groups of children can rotate through. Ideal for multiple classes or year groups.
…or you can come to us!
White Dragon Activity Centre is in Bures, between Colchester and Sudbury, on the Essex/Suffolk border.
Travel Plenty of parking space, including for coaches. Close to Bures railway station.
Capacity 8–100 pupils (rotate through stations).
Facilities Exciting indoor castle-themed range in a traditional barn with external Changing Places toilet. Outdoors, there is 5 acres of well-maintained grass ranges and woodland, a parachute shelter, and a loo.
Risk-assessed, DBS-checked & insured Documents supplied on booking.
Accessibility Step-free indoor areas; accessible toilet at indoor range. Please tell us any needs and we will accommodate wherever possible.
Contact us.
Want to discuss a school visit or hiring our mobile school activities? Use the enquiry form or call us on 07724 912334. We’ll get back to you within 4 working days.