Dudley Zoo Education offers a diverse range of educational opportunities for students of all ages, from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Post 16. Set on a 40-acre woodland hillside, the zoo is home to numerous endangered species and provides a daily program of talks and walk-through animal exhibits, making it an ideal destination for educational visits.
Self-Guided Visits and Admission Rates
For a self-guided visit, Dudley Zoo Education offers educational admission rates that cater to different age groups. The rates are as follows:
| Visitor Type | Admission Rate |
|---|---|
| Child (3-15 years) | £8.00 |
| Student (16 and over) | £8.50 |
| Accompanying Adult | £9.00 |
EYFS groups receive one free adult with every three paying students, and any additional adults are charged at £9.00 per person. All self-guided visits must be pre-booked by completing and returning a booking form, and the minimum group size is 10 children.
Curriculum-Linked Workshop Sessions
In addition to self-guided visits, Dudley Zoo Education offers workshop sessions led by a member of the Education Team. These sessions are available for all year groups, from EYFS to Key Stage 4 and Post 16 students, and are designed to align with the Science and Geography National Curriculum, as well as core skills in Maths, English, and Working Scientifically.
Workshop session plans must be pre-booked by completing and returning a booking form, and bookings are now being taken for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Outreach Workshops for Schools
Dudley Zoo Education also offers an exciting range of outreach workshops for primary and secondary schools. These workshops are curriculum-linked and feature a variety of genuine biofacts, such as skulls, skeletons, furs, and skins, as well as interactive activities.
Outreach bookings are subject to availability and must be pre-booked by completing and returning a booking form. It’s important to note that the outreach offer does not include live animals, but instead brings a range of biofacts (natural artefacts) to the school.
Conservation Efforts and Mission
Dudley Zoo is committed to conservation efforts and has launched a new conservation strategy, a five-year roadmap outlining the necessary steps to achieve a series of ambitious conservation projects. The zoo’s mission is to inspire and excite people in the natural world, the history and geology of the site on Castle Hill, and to encourage and promote a better understanding of and support for the conservation of nature and our heritage.
Unique Features of Dudley Zoo Education
Dudley Zoo Education offers several unique features that set it apart from other educational zoo experiences:
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Diverse Animal Collection: The zoo is home to a wide range of endangered species, providing students with the opportunity to learn about and observe these animals up close.
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Interactive Exhibits: The daily program of talks and walk-through animal exhibits, such as Lemur Wood, Castle Creatures, and Lorikeet Lookout, offer engaging and immersive learning experiences.
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Curriculum-Aligned Workshops: The workshop sessions are designed to align with the Science and Geography National Curriculum, as well as core skills in Maths, English, and Working Scientifically, making them a valuable resource for educators.
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Outreach Opportunities: The outreach workshops bring a range of genuine biofacts and interactive activities directly to schools, making the educational experience accessible to a wider audience.
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Conservation Focus: Dudley Zoo’s commitment to conservation efforts and its mission to inspire and educate visitors about the natural world and the importance of conservation sets it apart as a leader in zoo-based education.
By offering a diverse range of educational opportunities, Dudley Zoo Education is dedicated to inspiring and exciting students about the natural world, while also promoting a better understanding and support for the conservation of nature and our heritage.