The Education Department at West Midland Safari Park have recently been given top marks for their educational visits by being awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge.
Staff were awarded the accolade by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), who 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 committed to providing curriculum-linked sessions for over 10 years.
Last year marked the opening of the Park’s Safari Academy – an outstanding, sustainably-built teaching facility, housing five classrooms specifically 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, said: “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. Our fantastic facilities enable students to have access to continuous and progressive experiences in a wonderful learning environment.”
She continued: “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 experienced Education Team deliver guided tours of the four-mile Safari Drive-through and walkthrough areas, such as the impressive Land of the Living Dinosaurs. Tours are designed to enhance in-school learning and allows students to immerse themselves in the interactive environment.
Launched in 2009, The LOtC Quality Badge was created to ensure young people experience a variety of activities to enhance their learning. As a nationally recognised initiative, the badge allows educators to easily identify venues that adhere to the rigorous guidelines set out by the CLOtC, ensuring that their visit will consist of high quality activities and experiences.
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.
Admission charge is £9.50 for pupils and £10.50 for adults. Free teacher places are available for all schools, with a higher ratio for SEN schools. Special prices are available to include the Adventure Theme Park rides. Group catering and retail options are also available.
Further information and tickets are available from the website: www.safariacademy.co.uk or by contacting the Education Team on 01299 404888 or email: education@wmsp.co.uk. You can find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari