This month school children and students on the Isle of Man will receive their new 2013 ACE card. The Arts, Culture and Education (ACE) scheme will continue in 2013 with the kind support of new sponsor Lloyds TSB.
ACE cards give free entry to all Manx National Heritage (MNH) attractions in school or leisure time for school children and students, aged 18 and under in full time education. Almost 14,000 ACE cards are being delivered to the Island’s schools over the coming weeks with the help of the Department of Education and Children.
Timely with the opening of all MNH attractions and the Easter holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity for a springtime stroll or a day of discovery with family or friends. ACE cards can be used at Castle Rushen, Peel Castle and The Laxey Wheel which are now open weekends and will open daily from 23 March 10am to 4pm. The Grove, Cregneash, Rushen Abbey, the Old Grammar School, the Nautical Museum and the Old House of Keys open from Good Friday 29 March.
Anthea Young, Education Services Officer at Manx National Heritage said:
“The ACE scheme provides an ongoing opportunity for all Island children and young people to freely engage with the Isle of Man’s cultural heritage. Self directed learning at an early age not only helps children in school, but also provides social learning opportunities outside of the classroom. We are very pleased that Lloyds TSB have supported us in providing continued free access for the Island’s young people to MNH sites.”
Peter Reid, Island Director of Lloyds Bank said:
“Lloyds TSB is delighted to support Manx National Heritage through the ACE scheme. The ACE scheme is the third Manx National Heritage project supported by Lloyds, reflecting our commitment to supporting the rich heritage and culture of the Isle of Man.”
The new ACE cards feature the designs of competition winners Megan Rossiter from Ballakermeen High School and Aaron Fitzmaurice from Kewaigue School. On the reverse of the card is a QR code where students or parents can find out more about the scheme and find the new ‘ACE’ animation. Taking a humorous and fun twist on Manx history, comical characters and a uniquely composed soundtrack, it aims to tell the story of Manx history in just 3 minutes!
Jade Foster, Marketing Executive at Manx National Heritage continued:
“We are extremely grateful for the support Lloyds TSB are providing for the ACE scheme. We have reported over 23,000 visits by ACE cards since the scheme began in 2010, and as knowledge of the scheme grows and we continue to engage local families and young people to visit their national heritage attractions, we hope this year will be a record year for visits by ACE cardholders.”
ACE cards are being distributed via schools, while home educated children registered with the Department of Education and Children will receive them through the post.
Look out for the MNH What’s On guide in the post this month to find out about our exciting events planned for 2013!