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Bristol Zoo Gardens is an
award-winning conservation and education charity. As a leading visitor
attraction in the region, the Zoo boasts over 400 species of animals in
a stunning garden setting. We are uniquely positioned to encourage
students to learn about biodiversity, conservation and the natural world
and are dedicated to educating people about the world we live in.
For groups of all ages and abilities our Conservation Education Centre
team puts you into contact with the natural world through tailored
teaching designed to satisfy your learning needs. Depending on the
session booked, your group could enter a rainforest and experience the
night-time calls and sounds of the animals, embark on a polar mission
and take refuge in an ice cave or brave the African savannah.
Dont forget that, as well as innovative and enjoyable education
sessions on offer, the children can use their free time to explore the
zoo, plus we have a series of downloadable factsheets and trails, plus
teacher resources for use before, during and after your visit. Wth a
range of expert talks, feedings and free daily animal shows, your only
problem will be how to fit it all into one visit.
For full details, please
visit
our website.
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A unique educational resource
Our education sessions offer a stimulating and engaging
experience for students of all ages. All education sessions at
Bristol Zoo Gardens include:
Animals: You may meet up to three live animals in a
session (unless otherwise stated). Animals include tame
reptiles, small mammals and invertebrates.
Biofacts: We use items such as skins, furs, tusks, horns,
shells and stuffed specimens in most sessions (many are
confiscations from HM and Customs)
Multimedia: Short film clips and audio clips are often
used to support your chosen topic. Close-up cameras may be used
to show extra detail of our smaller animals |
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School trips
Spring and Summer term school trips - bookings being taken now!
• We are now taking
bookings for educational school trips this Spring and Summer.
• Entry to the Zoo for school children is just £5.00 per child
• Education sessions £38 per group
• Teachers go free on a ratio of 1:7 children so, to avoid
disappointment BOOK NOW! |
How to book
To book a school trip or to find out more, please phone us on 0117 974
7369 or email education@bristolzoo.org.uk. Your booking will be
confirmed in writing and the group's entrance fees are payable on the
day of your school trip.
Visit us free
Your teacher's pre-visit is free, which gives you the perfect chance to
see our facilities first-hand and chat to members of the team about your
requirements.
Education sessions
Our education team cater for all education needs: pre-school, special
needs, KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, A level, FE, HE and more. We will put a
session together especially for you or you can choose from the most
popular topics. (Please note that education sessions are not suitable
for the under 3's).
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Session
details
Duration - 55 minutes. Maximum of 45 minutes recommended for
under 5's
Flexible sessions
If you would like emphasis on a particular subject, or a
completely different topic, just give us advanced notice and we
will be happy to tailor your session.
Special educational needs sessions |
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We are committed to
delivering esssions to different ability groups, whether mild or complex
learning difficulties, sight impaired or emotional/ behavioural
difficulties. We can suggest suitable topics and ensure that the level
is appropriate for the groups needs. We are able to use large and small
images of animals with corresponding biofacts and live animals plus all
classrooms have audio loops.
Primary school level sessions
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All the primary
level sessions have strong links to the national curriculum and
can be tailored to meet the requirements of individual classes.
National Curriculum and Foundation level links
Most sessions have links with the following: En1 Speaking and
listening; Ma2.2 Numbers and the number system; Sc1 Scientific
enquiry; Sc2.1 Life processes; Sc2.2 Humans and other animals;
knowledge and understanding of the world. For further links to
specific sessions, please see the individual session details.
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The education sessions
we offer
Please find below a complete list of primary education sessions that we
offer. For more information on each session, please
visit
our website.
Where relevant, there are also worksheets containing tips on pre-visit
and post-visit activities, things you can do during your visit and
suggested further sources of information. If you want to know more or
would like to book a session, please call 01179 747369, visit our
website www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning or email
education@bristolzoo.org.uk
African
experience
Animal Journeys
Colour and pattern
Discovery |
Endangered species and habitats
Food and feeding
Growth and development
Habitats
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M.A.D. for
Madagascar
Minibeasts and me
Minibeasts senses and defences
Movement
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Munching minibeasts
Nocturnal by nature
Numeracy - How many legs
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Pets and animal
care
Polar experience
Rainforest experience |
Role of
zoos - suitable for Y5+
Senses
Smarty plants
Variety of life
Water experience |
Secondary school level sessions
All the secondary level sessions have strong links to the national
curriculum and can be tailored to meet the requirements of individual
classes.
National Curriculum and 14-19 specification links
Most sessions have National Curriculum links with the following: En1
Speaking and listening; Ma2.2 Numbers and the number system; Sc1
Scientific enquiry. Other links are mentioned in the individual session
descriptions. If you let us know which 14-19 specifications you are
following before your visit, we will tailor the session to your needs.
Please find below a complete list of the secondary educations sessions
that we offer. Each is a link to specific information related to that
session. Where relevant, there are also worksheets containing tips on
pre-visit and post-visit activities, things you can do during your visit
and suggested further sources of information. If you want to know more
or would like to book a session, please call 01179 747369, visit our
website
www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning or email
education@bristolzoo.org.uk
Adaptation to
habitat
African savannah
Animal learning |
Antarctic
experience
Art and design
Customer care |
Careers with
animals
Challenges as a business
Classification |
Exotic animal care
Feeding relationships
M.A.D. for Madagascar |
Marketing
Nutrition and digestion
Rainforests |
Role of zoos
Sustainable development and the zoo
Wildlife conservation |
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Pick 'n' mix A-level and post-16
sessions.
Pick a selection from the list below to build a day tailored
to your group.
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List of sessions.
Classification
Concept of species and the binomial system.
Taxonomic and phylogenetic groupings.
Classification of a named species.
Conservation
Rationale for conservation and threats to species.
The involvement of zoos in captive and field conservation.
Sustainable development and consumerism.
Animal welfare
Animal welfare legislation and guidelines.
Reasons for zoos.
Understanding behaviours and environmental enrichment.
Enclosure design
How zoo enclosure design has developed.
Considerations when designing new enclosures.
Design examples from Bristol Zoo.
Primate communication
How primates communicate.
Reasons for communication.
Case studies on different primates and their communication
techniques.
Adaptation
Evolutionary importance of adaptations.
Anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations.
Comparison of adaptations between related taxa.
Animal learning
Innate vs learned behaviour.
Types of learned behaviour including classical and operant
conditioning.
Animal learning in zoos and for conservation.
Evolution of behaviour
How behaviour evolves, adaptation and co-adaptation.
Evidence that behaviour is evolving.
Gene transmission, kin selection and apparent altruism.
Studying behaviour and enrichment (in two parts)
What behaviour is and reasons to study it.
How to study behaviour - tips and short guided practical taster.
Student-led behaviour study, analysis, evaluation and presentation
of study.
Environmental enrichment in the Zoo.
All of these sessions involve a selection of the following
activities
sorting and/or investigating biofacts, short film and audio clips,
group discussion, live animals and student-centred games.
Guided tours for school groups.
Why not book your group in for a guided walk and talk on one of the
following subjects:
History of Bristol Zoo Gardens - from Brunel to biodiversity
The role of the modern zoo
Conservation and endangered species
These sessions are limited to 20 people. They are particularly
suited to older groups of 16+ students, or adult groups. They are
usually available after 2.00pm Monday to Friday. If you cannot make
these times, please contact us, as there are sometimes alternatives
days and times available.
For more information and availability call 0117 974 7369 or email:
education@bristolzoo.org.uk
Explore!
Free time can be an important part of a school visit when your
pupils can enjoy themselves in the safety of our child-friendly and
secure gardens. They can explore the Zoo with the help of
ourfantastic
downloadable trails
Other courses we run
A level conference days - learn about topics such as classification,
conservation and adaptation all in one day.
GCSE, GNVQ and AVCE Leisure / Travel and Tourism Days - discover how
a popular tourist attraction works, from marketing methods to health
and safety issues
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Adult education
sessions
Outreach sessions for those groups who would find it
difficult or impossible to come to the Zoo
Trainee teacher sessions
Animal Care & Horticulture full-time BTEC courses in
conjunction with Filton and Harpbury Colleges
Teacher INSET days
Spiderphobia and snakephobia courses
For further information on any of these courses and to book,
please call 01179 747369 or
email
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Testimonials
I wish to take this opportunity of thanking Bristol Zoo for
allowing our Sixth Form students, who are studying A Level Physics
and Science, to visit your establishment. They found the visit most
stimulating and it gave them an additional dimension to what is
involved in the running of a zoo
.The talks were expertly presented
at the right level and left a lasting impression on us all.
March 07 Alevel day
Amy who took the session was brilliant, she was great with the
children and explained things in such a way that we had 4 year olds
telling us that scorpions change colour under UV light and
scientists cant explain why! She was excellent. Thank you so much.
Feb 07 Discovery KS1,2,3
Very enjoyable educational visit. Children left feeling inspired
and enthusiastic. Andy was a super presenter lots of laughter and
actions!! We will certainly be coming again!!
Feb 07 Minibeasts, KS1
Amy was brilliant. She related to the children really well. It was
just right for this age group and they all enjoyed it.
Feb 07 Minibeasts, KS1 & 2
Extras
Some nice little extras
As well as a fascinating learning experience, and a day trip to
remember other benefits of a session with us include:
discounted return tickets for each pupil
educational resources - check out the other pages in the Learning
zone
assistance with student projects (please call us first)
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