Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

Natural wetland habitats and 'hands on' exhibits in the Discovery Centre combined with an interactive teaching session, make your visit to us a unique, educational experience.

WWT has an international reputation for producing lively education packages which are linked to the National Curriculum or can be tailored to your groups needs. Delivered by specialist teachers with support materials available for you to use before and after your visit.Our risk assessment is available in the downloads section below.

As well as programmes listed here you may use the Centre and grounds here at Slimbridge for any other aspects of the National Curriculum. Your imagination is the only limit! Please call the Learning Manager to discuss ideas on 01453 891117.

*Please note that we are currently in the process of updating our school website pages. For the most up to date information please contact our bookings officer David Bell on 01453 891223 or email david.bell@wwt.org.uk.

Nursery

Storytime, Do Like Duck Does, Tadpole Tails

Reception

Storytime, Do Like Duck Does, Tadpole Tails

Infants KS1

First Encounters, Pond Explorer, Family Life, Close Encounters

Junior/Lower Secondary

Discovering Wildfowl & Wetlands, Designs for Living, Heading North, Family Life, Pond Explorer, Great Pond Safari

GCSE & A level

Programmes are arranged individually at this level and can include adaptations, bird behaviour and learning, comparative psychology, conservation, ecology, leisure and tourism and statistics. The grounds provide an excellent resource for art, photography, design and technology.

Access groups

All ages and abilities are welcomed and programmes are individually arranged to ensure a really worthwhile and memorable visit. There are opportunities to handle feathers, eggs and other objects in a 'feelie' session. Other programmes can be arranged on request.

Programme times

We can teach up to 60 pupils during any of the following programme times, the only exception is the Pond Explorer which is limited to 30. Please note that you may only book one programme per visit.
10.15am 11.00am 11.45am 12.30pm 1.15pm

Prices

For all schools and education related groups the admission charge is £4.50 per pupil.

Teachers/helpers for all education groups come in free of charge at a minimum expected supervision ratio. 1:5 for key stage 1 and 1:10 for key stage 2 and above. Apart from essential carers, all additional adults pay the reduced group rate of £6.40 per adult.

Free preliminary visits

We strongly recommend you make a preliminary visit to familiarise yourself with the facilities offered and to help you plan your visit more effectively.
Make use of our free learning resources at wwt.org.uk/learn
Why not avoid the busy summer term and consider visiting in the autumn and winter. The wildlife is varied and plentiful with an extra 20,000 migratory birds on site. Our hides and indoor Discovery Centre will offer shelter from the weather if necessary.

How to book a visit

Advance booking is essential for all learning groups. Please contact the Bookings Officer to request a Teacher's Information Pack, make a provisional booking or to check that your proposed date and time are available on 01453 891223.

To help us plan, please mention any specific learning requirements and special needs your group may have.

Complete and return the booking form (p6 of the Education Information Pack below), then we will write to you with your final confirmation visit details.

On the Day

On arrival at the centre please proceed to the Admissions area where a member of our Learning Team will meet you. They will give a brief welcome to the Centre for the whole group and then help with the following:

• Check in and payment at admissions. Payment can be made by credit/debit card, cash or cheque (made payable to WWT) To pay via an invoice must be agreed at the booking stage and on receipt of a completed payment details form.
• Arrange storage of bags if applicable
• Allocation of covered lunch areas in the event of bad weather

Booked sessions

If you have booked a learning session please make sure you leave enough time to return from the grounds to the teaching area as time slots can not always be reallocated.

Free time

When you are not having a learning session, you are free to investigate the site on a self-guided basis. Please make use of our free learning resources at wwt.org.uk/learn or ask the Bookings Officer what worksheets are also available.

Supervision

We will make every effort to make your visit enjoyable. You can help by making sure pupils are adequately supervised at all times. Behaviour and discipline of pupils on site is the responsibility of teachers and adult
supervisors. Please ensure all adults understand the aims of the visit and their role in supervising and supporting pupils in the group. Please agree with pupils on the following code of behaviour during your visit:

• observe signage and stay on footpaths
• treat wildlife kindly
• keep quiet when in hides
• walk, don't run
• respect other visitors enjoying their visit
• dispose of litter in the bins provided
• stay with your group at all times

Shopping

When using the shop, we would be grateful if you could limit groups to no more than ten pupils at a time to avoid overcrowding. We recommend pre-ordering items from the shop using the order form at wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/schools. Your order will be ready for collection on the day.

For any further queries please telephone our Bookings Officer on 01453 891223.

Relevant Forms

For our Education Information Pack please click here

For our Risk Assessment please click here

For payment details please click here

For our Teacher Feedback Form please click here

Check out our WWT school equipment here