'Kempson Education is committed to maximising the educational potential of heritage tourism.​​'
WORK
Educational Lead
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I currently work as Educational Lead and Historical Tour Guide for 'Zeitgeist Tours for Schools'. In this role I lead the development and delivery of engaging historical tours for school groups, ensuring alignment with curriculum objectives and fostering a passion for history among students.
With my extensive experience as a former Head of History and GCSE Examiner I worked to curate historically accurate and stimulating itineraries, provided expert guidance and interpretation of historical sites, enhancing students' understanding of key events and their significance.
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I collaborate with schools and teachers to tailor tours and activities to specific learning needs and age groups and to foster positive relationships with students, teachers, and tour group leaders.
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Writing
I design, write and deliver content for use in secondary school workshops in order to deliver effective content for revision, working with schools to increase pupil progress.
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Consultancy
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​I collaborate with historical venues and heritage sites to bridge the gap between their existing curatorial frameworks and the specific learning objectives of the national curriculum and various exam boards
ABOUT US
Enhancing the Educational Impact of Heritage Tourism: The Kempson Education Solution
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The United Kingdom boasts a rich tapestry of historical and cultural landmarks, encompassing nearly 2,500 museums (with over 200 dedicated to history) and a plethora of heritage sites. These attractions draw millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the national and local economies, and providing invaluable opportunities for educational enrichment. In 2022 the Historic Houses Association alone reported 141,000 educational group visits, highlighting the significant role heritage tourism plays in the educational landscape.[1]
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However, recent research has revealed a concerning disconnect between heritage tourism and academic achievement. The 2022 study by the Universities of Sussex and Edinburgh, involving over 9,000 pupils, found no correlation between visits to museums or historical sites and improved GCSE grades. While the Museums Association rightly emphasizes the broader developmental benefits of such experiences, it is imperative to recognize the potential for heritage tourism to directly support academic success.[2]
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When I founded Kempson Education, I wanted to address this challenge by fostering 'education relevance.' I collaborate with historical venues and heritage sites to bridge the gap between their existing frameworks and specific learning objectives of the both national curriculum and exam boards. By developing innovative programs and resources that seamlessly integrate with classroom learning, it is possible to transform heritage experiences into powerful educational tools that directly contribute to exam success.
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My approach empowers students to forge meaningful connections between the tangible remnants of the past and their academic studies, fostering a deeper understanding of historical narratives and their contemporary relevance. This not only enhances their subject knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills essential for excelling in examinations.
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Kempson Education is committed to maximizing the educational potential of heritage tourism. I sincerely believe that by making these sites relevant to students' academic journeys, we can inspire a generation of engaged learners who achieve academic excellence while developing a lifelong appreciation for history and its profound impact on our world.
[1] Historic England, 'The Contribution of the Heritage Sector to the Visitor Economy', 2023 https://historicengland.org.uk/research/heritage-counts/heritage-and-economy/visitor-economy/, (accessed 19 August 2024).
[2] Stopforth, S., & Gayle, V. (2022). Parental social class and GCSE attainment: Re-reading the role of ‘cultural capital.’ British Journal of Sociology of Education, 43(5), 680–699.
Alison Kempson
History Specialist, Educational Consultant, over 20 years teaching experience, GCSE examiner
Katy Nelson, Teacher
“Alison has the skill of bringing history alive, whilst understanding the key curriculum elements to help educate students"
Rob Schäfer, Historian
"Alison's passion is infectious. Her communication skills and ability to turn a brief into usable content is second to none "
Dawn Monks, Zeitgeist Tours
“It has been a pleasure to work with Kempson Education. Alison understands the demands of schools and is able to come up with workable solutions .”
Empowering Educational Enrichment
​The organisation of enriching residential tours or school activities is a vital part of a well-rounded education, which is more than often hindered by financial constraints faced by many families in the UK. Raising additional funds to support families in need is often impossible with the demanding work schedules of teachers and can make it difficult to provide these valuable experiences. That's where Kempson Education comes in.
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Our Expertise, Your Success
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We use our passion, insight and expertise to secure the financial backing your school needs. Our small team of professionals meticulously navigates the complex fundraising landscape, freeing you to concentrate on your core priority of teaching.
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No Upfront Costs, No Risk
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We believe in a partnership built on trust and results. Our fundraising services are provided at no upfront cost to your school or institution. We only charge a nominal fee for our work upon successful fundraising, ensuring that your school benefits financially from our efforts.
How We Work
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Initial Contact: Complete our contact form, providing a brief overview of your planned activity, the number of students involved, and the proportion eligible for pupil premium grants. Share as much information as you can, about your school and catchment area to help us understand your unique context.
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Strategic Consultation: We'll contact you to discuss the most suitable funding avenues for your project and outline a customised strategy to maximise your chances of success.
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Fundraising Authorisation: If you choose to proceed, simply authorise us to raise funds on your school's behalf. Up to this point, all our services are entirely free, ensuring no financial risk or obligation for your institution.
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Successful Fundraising: Upon securing the necessary funding for your activity, we'll charge a small percentage of the funds raised as compensation for our services.
A Win-Win Partnership
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Our commitment to educational enrichment drives everything we do. We believe that every student deserves access to transformative experiences, and we're here to make that a reality.
We look forward to working with you to empower your students and achieve your educational goals.
