Blackpool Zoo is the Leader of the Pack For Learning Outside the Classroom
Blackpool Zoo is opening the doors of its state-of-the-art Education Academy for teachers to get a behind the scenes look at why it is one of the leading lights in learning outside the classroom.
An open day will be held on Sunday 13th March from 9am to 1pm and will offer teachers the opportunity to meet staff, preview new lesson plans, take a look at the facilities, get a taster of an activities demonstration and pick up lesson plan packs to take away.
The Education Academy was refurbished last year with huge investment to expand the facility and is paving the way for hands-on nature and wildlife learning in a stimulating and inclusive environment.
Specialist educational staff offer tailored lessons to students of all ages and abilities that fit with early years, KS1, KS2, KS3 and higher education curriculums.
With brand new lessons about everything from Animal Homes and Mingling with Minibeasts to Habitats Around the World and Jungle Bustle, the lessons are fun and action packed for students and education staff alike.
Spectacular themed Amazon and Serengeti rooms are the setting for a whole host of practical tasks including interactive learning through the handling of animal biofacts, small invertebrates and reptiles.
Students can also get out and about at the zoo to help clean enclosures, prepare animal diets and work to maintain the grounds.
Natalie Ward, Head of Education at Blackpool Zoo, said: “The opening of our brand new Education Academy was a hugely exciting time for us last year and we have received fantastic feedback from teachers and children alike.
“We work to constantly evolve our offering to ensure there is something for everyone from early years to higher education and this open day will be a chance for teachers to look at lesson plans and the facility and ask any questions they may have.
“In addition, there will be special offers available to any teachers that want to make a booking on the day.
“We are gearing up for our best year yet and can’t wait to show teachers what we have been working on!”
Natalie won the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Rising Star Award 2015 for her work on the education at the zoo in 2015.
Picture shows: Blackpool Zoo’s education department
More information about Blackpool Zoo:
Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world-wide player. The zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes.
The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orang-utans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos. It is open every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, from 10am.
For further information please contact:
Paula Holden or Abi Blundell at ICG on 07772268378 or email [email protected] or [email protected]