South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, UK, offers free educational visits for schools and launched Homeschool Days in 2018 to ensure learning is accessible for all. The zoo focuses on conservation, with educational visits covering topics like the Circle of Life, Rainforests, Endangered Animals, Habitats, Classification, Africa, and Animal-specific talks.
Free Educational Visits for Schools
For schools, pre-booked educational visits are free, with accompanying adults within the ratio of 1:6 children also admitted free of charge. Additional adults are charged at a reduced “helpers” price of £7 per person. School visits benefit from reduced price animal feedings, pre-booked meals, and syllabus-complimenting learning materials, worksheets, trails, and workshops.
The zoo has designated coach parking and allows school groups to bring a pack-up for lunch at a designated eating spot, as long as arranged in advance. There is no recommended age for educational visits, with trips open to all school aged groups, from nursery schools and preschool clubs right through to secondary schools and colleges.
Hands-on Learning Experiences
In 2024, St Francis Church of England Aided Junior School visited the zoo, with children enjoying feeding Giraffes, Lemurs, and watching the Lions being fed. They also spent time with the penguins and posed with metal animals, perfecting their photography skills.
These hands-on learning experiences allow students to engage with the animals and their habitats, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of conservation.
Syllabus-Complimenting Resources
South Lakes Safari Zoo provides a range of syllabus-complimenting learning materials, trails, and workshops to enhance the educational experience. These resources are designed to align with the curriculum, ensuring that the zoo visit seamlessly integrates with the classroom learning.
Learning Materials and Worksheets
The zoo offers a variety of learning materials and worksheets that cover topics such as:
- The Circle of Life
- Rainforests
- Endangered Animals
- Habitats
- Classification
- Africa
- Animal-specific talks
These resources are available to teachers and can be used before, during, and after the zoo visit to reinforce the learning objectives.
Trails and Workshops
In addition to the learning materials, South Lakes Safari Zoo also provides interactive trails and workshops that encourage students to explore the zoo and engage with the animals and their environments. These activities are designed to be both educational and fun, fostering a love for nature and conservation.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The zoo’s commitment to education extends beyond the school visits. In 2018, South Lakes Safari Zoo launched Homeschool Days, ensuring that learning opportunities are accessible to all, including homeschooled children and their families.
These Homeschool Days offer a range of educational activities, workshops, and resources tailored to the needs of homeschoolers, providing a unique and enriching learning experience.
Effectiveness of Zoo Education
While the educational offerings at South Lakes Safari Zoo are extensive, a study by Freedom for Animals found that the majority of children (62%) showed no change in learning or experienced negative learning during their trip to the zoo. This suggests that the effectiveness of zoos in educating children is a topic of ongoing debate.
However, the zoo’s focus on conservation, hands-on learning experiences, and syllabus-complimenting resources demonstrate a commitment to providing meaningful educational opportunities for students. By continuously evaluating and improving their educational programs, South Lakes Safari Zoo aims to enhance the learning outcomes for all visitors.
Conclusion
South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, UK, offers a comprehensive educational program that caters to schools, homeschoolers, and the general public. With free educational visits, hands-on learning experiences, and syllabus-complimenting resources, the zoo strives to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of conservation.
While the effectiveness of zoo education is a subject of ongoing discussion, South Lakes Safari Zoo’s dedication to providing accessible and engaging learning opportunities is commendable. By continuously evolving their educational offerings, the zoo aims to inspire the next generation of conservation champions and nature enthusiasts.
References:
– South Lakes Safari Zoo – Conservation & Circle of Life
– Freedom for Animals – Zoos Neither Educate Nor Empower Children
– St Francis Junior School – Sunshine at South Lakes Safari Zoo
– South Lakes Safari Zoo – School Visits
– South Lakes Safari Zoo – Homeschooling Days