SCHOOLS
The Highland Wildlife Park is a
great day out for any visitor, but for young people
it offers a marvellous educational opportunity, which
helps to meet the demands of the Curriculum of Excellence
and bring their lessons alive. We want to become an
extension of your classroom and a valuable learning
resource.
EDUCATION VISITS: DESIGN YOUR DAY
Contact our Education Officers to design your day for
your group (for all ages and group sizes). Create with
us your blend of:
- GUIDED BUS TOUR 
See the Mountain and Tundra animals in the drive-through.
- EXPLORATION OF THE PARK
Walk around the park spotting the Mountain and Tundra
animals from around the world as well as our rarer Scottish
wildlife set within the Cairngorm National Park.
- CLASSROOM SESSION
Within our Education Centre, we can focus on the animals
/ topics of your choice e.g. Skins and Skulls / Animals
at Risk sessions / Wildcat and tigers.
For a vivid glimpse of our
Education Programme, magnificent setting and wonderful
Mountain and Tundra wildlife, download
our latest flier here.
LENGTH OF VISIT
All groups should, if possible,
allow at least 3 hours (not including lunch) in the
Park with flexible starting times. The time with a guide
will vary.
PREPARATORY VISIT
Teachers are welcome to make a free visit by appointment
with the Education Officer. Suggestions from teachers
are always valued.
THE POSSIBILITIES FOR GROUPS OF
ALL AGES ARE ENDLESS
Many of our lessons conform
to the Experiences and Outcomes for the **Curriculum
for Excellence** (see below)
NURSERY
Nursery groups can have fun,
seeing, smelling and learning about the animals of Mountain
and Tundra environments from around the world and rare
Scottish wildlife.
PRIMARY
Tours are available for P1- P7. Topics can include:
Scottish Wildlife Wildcats and Tigers
Animal Homes Endangered Species
Food Chains Classification
Zoos and Conservation
Habitats of the Cairngorm National Park
SECONDARY
There are lessons to suit all ages. Many fit with Standard
Grade and Higher courses in Science, Biology, Rural
Skills, Geography and Contemporary Social Studies. Our
Education Officer is happy to arrange a session to meet
with your particular needs.
 Examples
of programmes include:
Fieldwork Day practising
Observation and Recording skills: (Standard and Higher
Biology) e.g. The Red Deer Rut, Animal Enrichment (design
and study). Other possible animal topics include: Social
and Courtship Behaviour and Species Conservation.
Rural Skills
package, which looks behind the scenes in the Park and
allows the pupils to develop workable life skills.
Cross-curricular
packages can be designed to suit individual requirements.
The Park offers great scope, not just in Environmental
Studies, Biology and Geography, but also in stimulating
English, Art, Photography, Drama and Personal and Social
Development.
FURTHER EDUCATION
We welcome:
- Study and field groups from colleges and universities
studying environmental management, eco-tourism, The
Cairngorm National Park (CNP) etc. Your visit could
include "A day in the life in of a keeper",
designed for animal care / countryside management students
(including food preparation / interpretation / conservation
within the CNP).
- Individuals’ studies on animals (e.g. wolves,
snow monkeys etc).
All of these topics are available across the age range
and can be adapted accordingly.
SPECIAL  NEEDS
Children with learning difficulties are welcome in the
Highland Wildlife Park and often enjoy the experience
immensely. Many benefit from the "Touch and Feel"
session in the Dulverton Room with various bio-facts
(skins and skulls). There are also fish tanks and tadpoles.
The majority of the Park is accessible for disabled
people.
**LINKS
WITH CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE**
Many of our topics match the Experiences and Outcomes
for the Curriculum for Excellence:
| SCIENCE |
Curriculum for Excellence Guidelines |
| Animal Enrichment |
“develops the skills of scientific investigation,
using practical techniques" |
|
Animals at Risk &
Zoos and Conservation
|
“express opinions and make decisions on
social, moral, ethical, economic and environmental
issues based upon sound understanding” |
A Darwin Day:
Evolution in Action |
“demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding
of big ideas and concepts of science” |
| Darwin the Man |
“recognise the impact of science on my life,
the lives of others, the environment and on society” |
| Climate change |
“develop an understanding of the Earth’s
resources and the need for responsible use of them” |
| RURAL SKILLS |
|
| Rural Skills Day |
“developing skills for learning, life and
work” |
| GEOGRAPHY |
|
| Summit to Sea in Scotland |
“learn how to locate, explore and link features
and places locally and further a field” |
| ENGLISH |
|
| Animal projects |
“communicate, collaborate and build relationships” |
| Animal stories and poems |
“extend and enrich vocabulary through listening,
watching, talking and reading” (including
pupils with learning difficulties) |
(Please allow two weeks preparation
time for topics not previously offered).
INDOOR FACILITIES
40 seater Discovery Room with audio-visual equipment
and touch tables. There is also limited café
space in case of bad weather.
Contact Us
To book a visit to the Park, please e-mail hwpeducation@rzss.org.uk
or call us on 01540 651981.
|
