The Education Department at West Midland Safari Park has recently been awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge for its educational visits.
Staff were awarded the accolade by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), which recognises establishments and organisations that provide quality learning opportunities that coincide with the National Curriculum.
The Park has been welcoming students from schools, colleges and universities since its opening 45 years ago, and has been providing curriculum-linked sessions for over 10 years.
Safari Academy
Last year marked the opening of the Park’s Safari Academy, a sustainably-built teaching facility, housing five classrooms designed for visiting education groups.
A variety of curriculum-linked activities and sessions are offered, all of which include either artefacts or the chance to meet some of the Park’s smaller, friendlier animals.
Newly-appointed education manager, Nicola Anslow, commented: “Our aim is to get children and young people out of the classroom and provide them with engaging and challenging experiences to help them learn in different ways.
“We are really pleased to be awarded the LOtC Quality Badge. This fully recognises the hard work and dedication of our Education Team here at the Safari Academy.”
As well as offering interactive sessions housed in the Academy, the Education Team delivers guided tours of the four-mile Safari Drive-through and walk-through areas, such as the Land of the Living Dinosaurs. Tours are designed to enhance in-school learning and allow students to immerse themselves in the interactive environments.
School information
The Safari Academy is located near West Midland Safari Park’s Hippo Lakes and there is a special discounted price for schools arriving by coach or mini-bus.
Teachers can contact the Education Team on 01299 404888 or email education@wmsp.co.uk.
Further information and tickets are available from the website www.safariacademy.co.uk.
