School Travel Organiser takes a closer look at the educational visits and packages available at The Grand Pier and why schools should consider visiting.
The Grand Pier – which offers indoor rides, arcade machines, a tea room and a land train – has been an iconic feature on the Weston-super-Mare seafront for over 100 years, but is perhaps not the most obvious choice for a day of learning.
However, the seafront pier has its own education program and runs both educational presentations and packages, mixed with recreational learning opportunities.
Learning at The Grand Pier
There are four learning packages to choose from – blue, yellow, green and red. The basic blue package includes a presentation, an information and activity pack and entry onto the Grand Pier where students can enjoy the rides and attractions.
At the other end of spectrum, the red package also includes one hour of soft play at the pier’s Adventure Cove Play Area and lunch is provided, also.
There are two presentations to choose from – Seaside Holidays Past & Present and The History of the Grand Pier – and both are suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2.
The History of the Grand Pier aims to engage children’s learning by encouraging them to study the chronological history of the Grand Pier, including learning about events such as the fires in 1930 and 2008.
Schools will learn what the Grand Pier looked like when it was first built in 1904, and the difficulties that were faced during the reconstruction of the pier after the 2008 fire.
The Seaside Holidays Past & Present presentation links to the national curriculum. This is done by including categories that students may be learning in the classroom, such as at the beach and what to wear, and applying them to the local history of the pier.
Schools will also learn about what seaside holidays were like 100 years ago and how they compare to more modern beach holidays.
This particular session includes a presentation which involves pupils dressing up, singing and participating in quizzes.
However, schools do not have to select a particular package. The pier can create bespoke visits for each class, and can even offer unlimited rides for an end of term celebration or rewards event.
Further information
The educational packages are based on a minimum of 25 children.
Information and activity packs include information on the history of the grand pier, learning goals to achieve, activity sheets to complete and directions to the pier.
Optional extras include a Mr Whippy ice cream and a souvenir keyring.
For more information visit www.grandpier.co.uk/schools-groups.
