.

May2013

Are you looking for ideas to

increase learning outside the classroom for your school?

Do you want to reduce RED Tape?

Many of the venues in this leaflet have,

or are working towards, the LOtC

Quality Badge, which is recognised by

Local Authorities and Outdoor

Education Advisors

The LOtC Quality Badge.

www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk

Is a national benchmark which

recognises organisations:

• providing good quality educational

experiences

• who manage risk effectively.

This is your local directory

Turn over the pages to find out more

about what is on offer……

The University of Leicester Botanic Garden (LOtC Quality Badge) We offers a range of hands-on education programmes for school and youth groups from Foundation level through to adult at the Botanic Garden and the Attenborough Arboretum sites. Topics taken from Science, Maths, Art, Literacy, Geography and Citizenship are led by trained and experienced teachers. Bespoke programmes considered. Explore and study our rainforest and desert houses, try pond dipping, mini-beast hunting, calculate the biomass of an area, learn about seed dispersal, compare habitats and adaptations…be inspired by our sculpture exhibition and make clay and natural sculptures, create a green man leaf mask … find ingredients to make a cake and learn about the places and people behind the ingredients… evaluate claims of where the Fibonacci sequence appears, calculate the volume of a pond… learn about Christmas through plants… go ‘On a Bear Hunt’… Tel: 0116 2712933 e-mail: botanicgarden@le.ac.ukwww.le.ac.uk/botanicgarden

Yew Trail Outdoor Classroom (LOtC Quality Badge) Yew Trail provides an inspirational, magical environment where children of all ages, abilities and diverse ethnic and social backgrounds can explore, enjoy and experience the natural world through practical involvement. This wonderful site offers a wide variety of activities that suit a wide range of learning needs and styles. Here young people can escape the confines of a conventional classroom and investigate a wide variety of flora, fauna, animals and birds, enjoy the tree trail, shelter building, Yurt classroom and many other curriculum linked activities. Yew Trail is ideal for schools and young people with special educational needs. A full range of activity specific KS1,KS2 and Foundation stage worksheets and teachers notes are available and Yew Trail volunteers support each visit to ensure maximum benefit from a wonderful day. Tel: 01530 244914 e-mail : yewtrail@shuttlewood-clarke.org www.yewtrail.org.uk Beaumanor Hall and Park Outdoor and Residential Learning Centre (LOtC Quality Badge) The extensive and varied grounds of Beaumanor, which include woodlands, formal gardens, adventure playground and a high ropes course, are used by children and young people on both day and residential programmes. Accommodation for over 100 people and a standing camp for up to 45. Programmes of activity include climbing, archery, abseiling, orienteering, team challenges, environmental and field studies. The centre has also developed a range of day programmes which can easily be adapted for residential programmes. These programmes exploit the unique features of the site and area, which are the Victorian house and courtyard and the World War 2 buildings which were part of the Bletchley Park code-breaking unit. Active learning styles and techniques are deployed to help children and young people understand various curriculum concepts in, for example maths, history, art and languages. A range of programmes for early year’s children such as Gruffalo, Itchey Bear and Nursery Rhyme trails. Tel: 01509 890119 e-mail: hall@beaumanor.rmplc.co.uk www.leics.gov.uk/beaumanor Charnwood Museum (LOtC Quality Badge) Charnwood Museum features a wide range of exhibits reflecting the history geology, archaeology and industries of Charnwood and the surrounding area. Students can handle rocks from Charnwood’s volcanic past, walk beneath the giant oak tree, visit the Victorian grocer’s shop, investigate the famous Barrow Kipper – a Jurassic marine reptile that ‘swims’ under the floor of the museum, or ‘zoom in’ on a fly’s eye with the video microscope. A wide range of workshops are available for KS 1 and KS2. With a focus on different themes and many hands-on activities, our sessions provide fun, stimulating learning experiences that fire imaginations. Benefits include:

• Interactive exhibits

• Object handling workshops

• Cross curricular learning

• Hands-on learning Charnwood Museum is set in an award winning Victorian Park with sculpture, art, War Memorial Museum and aviary. Tel: 0116 305 3424 e-mail: muslearningteam@leics.gov.uk www.leics.gov.uk/charnwoodmuseum

Botanic Garden

Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOtC Quality Badge) 15 Acres of adventure in the heart of Leicester

The LOPC is a Charitable Organisation that provides Outdoor Adventurous Activities that are delivered in ways which stimulate, educate and motivate all participants at affordable prices all year round. We have fifteen acres of land to explore and there is an activity for everyone to take part in and enjoy. Most activity sessions are available for both young people and adults as either individuals or as part of an organised group. The Centre is situated on the River Soar to the North of Leicester City Centre and is easily accessible from all major road routes. Activities available:

• High Ropes Course, Climbing and Abseiling Towers • Canoeing, Kayaking, Raft Building & Bell Boating • Bushcraft, Archery, Air Rifles, Fencing & Orienteering • Team Building Activity Course

Tel: 0116 2681426 e-mail: info@lopc.co.uk www.lopc.co.uk

Warning Zone is an exciting, interactive centre in Leicester offering schools a quality, high impact “Learning for Life” resource for Year 6 pupils (LOtC Quality Badge)

Operated by an independent charity and located in Leicester, the eight set-piece scenarios aim to foster an understanding of personal and social responsibility, risk, consequences of actions and peer pressure. Children work in small teams of six, each with a trained volunteer guide. This is not wrapping children in cotton wool. Warning Zone presents the plain and honest facts in a memorable and understandable way in order to encourage responsible behaviour and sound decision making while living full and active lives. Supports PSHE/citizenship, transition to secondary school and offers cross curricular opportunities. Tel: 0116 262 9739 e-mail: enquiries@warningzone.org.uk www.warningzone.org.uk St Philips Centre Leicester (LOtC Quality Badge) We have a proven track record of working with primary, secondary schools and colleges in the field of religion and belief. Our experience in education and inter faith relations has been recognised with a ‘Quality Badge’ awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and is your guarantee of a top quality pupil learning experience which supports the National Curriculum for Religious Education, Citizenship, Government and contemporary politics at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3, GCSE and A-level. We offer a wide range of interactive educational activities for all age groups and abilities. You can choose from our range of standard programmes or devise your own with the help of our Programmes Assistant. We have an experienced team of staff and dedicated faith practitioners who provide a fun and interactive learning experience whatever your needs or location. Tel: 0116 273 3459 e-mail: margaret@stphilipscentre.co.uk www.stphilipscentre.co.uk Woodland Survival Crafts (Approved CPD Provider of the Institute for Outdoor Learning) Since 1995 Woodland Survival Crafts has been providing quality courses and training in Bushcraft building peoples confidence and widening their understanding. Our Bushcraft For Practitioners course offers quality training for Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Pursuit Instructors or any Outdoor Education Officers. Foundational Woodland Educational Skills is a new set of workshops to provide a more generic understanding of skills and build confidence in peoples ability. We provide schools and colleges/universities with on site sessions which can link in with many curriculum subjects as well provide stimulating residential experiences at our woods on the Leics/Derbys border. “Your years of experience shine through” Jason Ingamells (Woodland Ways Ltd) Tel: 07736225035 e-mail: dave@woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com www.woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com

Snibston (LOtC Quality Badge) Combining learning and fun with great galleries and facilities, a visit to Snibston supports a wide variety of learning styles. As well as covering science, technology, engineering and maths, Snibston also provides hands-on exploration and workshops to support design, history and PSHE. A visit to Snibston includes:

• Extra Ordinary! Gallery - Features over 20 interactive exhibits including the chance to lift a mini and make fire

• The Dangerous Science of Mining – Snibston’s explosive new science show

• Wild Water and Science Play – provide and insight into everyday science and technology by learning through play

• Transport, Engineering, Extractive Industries and Fashion Galleries

• Toy Box – celebrates toys throughout the ages

• Interactive workshops and Colliery Tours suitable for all key stages

• County Park Tel: 01530 278 444 e-mail: snibston@leics.gov.uk www.snibston.com Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and County Park (LOtC Quality Badge) A visit to Bosworth Battlefield brings history to life with the emphasis on hands-on learning. Pupils discover the dramatic events that led to the death of King Richard III, changing the course of British history with the birth of the all-powerful Tudor dynasty. Bosworth Battlefield offers tailor made inspiring, engaging and memorable experiences for students of all key stages including:

• A chance to meet Captain Mortimer and be enlisted into Richard III’s army

• An interactive exhibition showcasing Tudor life and battle strategy

• Falconry

• Guided Walks – could your students be walking in Richard III’s footsteps

• Object handling workshops Set in a beautiful County Park where recent archaeological excavations have led to the discovery of Roman Objects, Bosworth also offers a full day of activities on Romans and the environment. We also offer combined visits with Donington le Heath Manor House. Tel: 01455 290 429 e-mail: bosworth@leics.gov.uk www.bosworthbattlefield.com Donington le Heath Manor House (LOtC Quality Badge) This inspiring museum is based in a medieval manor house dating back to 1280. The house has a fascinating history and is now restored with fine oak furnishings and Tudor objects. Pupils who visit the house can see restored rooms and displays on medieval life as well as a series of temporary exhibitions on a wide range of subjects. Our engaging history sessions provide a useful platform for cross-curricular learning and include:

• ‘Living history’ sessions with costumed characters

• The opportunity to experience life in the 16th and 17th centuries

• Hands-on learning

• An authentic setting

• Seasonal activities – learn about the Gunpowder Plot, Shrovetide, Eastertide, Maytime or a Tudor Christmas

• Exploratory sessions for pupils with Special Educational Needs We also offer combined visits with Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. Tel: 016 305 3424 e-mail: muslearningteam@leics.gov.uk www.leics.gov.uk/donington

Bradgate Park & Swithland Wood Country Park Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood Country Park offer a wide variety of settings for outdoor learning. From Pre-Cambrian rock outcrops to ancient woodland and a shallow and slow-moving stretch of the River Lin, we can provide the perfect venue for a range of learning experiences around Science and Geography. The ruins of Bradgate House, childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, offer a striking backdrop for learning about the Tudors and the English Civil War. We can also offer access to the Bradgate Park Visitor Centre with a range of displays on the history, geology and wildlife of the Park and indoor classroom space. Tel; 0116 236 2713 estate-office@bradgatepark.org www.bradgatepark.org

Manor Farm East Leake

Enjoy a delightful and low-stress day with us. We are open to the public and are popular with groups of all ages & abilities. Visits can be self-led or our knowledgeable, qualified staff can help enhance curriculum delivery– ask about our Owl Experience; Woodland Fun sessions; themed days; and more. There is good, well-maintained access around the site with excellent toilet & handwashing facilities. Our animals, owls, lake, indoor & outdoor play offer engaging learning opportunities. Group bookings include leaders’ pre-visit and return visit pass for every child. Tel: 01509 852525 E-mail: enquiries@manorfarm.info www.manorfarm.info Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Forest Education Network, local interest group. This group supports practitioners with an interest in woodlands and Forest School. For more information about FEN see www.lotc.org.uk/fen Enquiries regarding FEN in the East Midlands can be directed to the secretary of the local group: Tel. 07887 996293 e-mail: cath@manorfarm.info

‘Four Seasons Forest School’

Daily walks in a wood awaken the senses and you see, hear, smell and feel the changes, so even on the dullest, damp, cold, November days, there is something amazing to experience. I am a Forest School Practitioner level 3 and have 13 years experience of working in a primary school. My love of nature inspired me to train as a Forest School Practitioner so I can get children hooked and motivated to enjoy the inspirational freedom of being outdoors. I am a provider of Forest School activities for: After school clubs, Forest School sessions to schools, parties and holiday clubs. At present I am using the excellent woodland facilities at Ulverscroft Manor with the permission from the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation. Tel : 07923543592 info@fourseasonsforestschool.co.uk www.fourseasonsforestschool.co.uk Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust offers a range of exciting Outreach Education Programmes for EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

• Through our Environmental Education Workshops we can bring quality environmental education to your school, whilst meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum.

• Forest School helps children to develop personal, social and emotional skills and increases confidence and self esteem. Our comprehensive programme can be run either in your school grounds or in a nearby green space.

• Our range of Woodland Workshops give pupils the opportunity to experience elements of Forest School such as woodwork, shelter building and fire lighting, without needing to take part in a full six week programme.

• School grounds projects and advice are availiable through Grow Wild, which aims to support schools to make the most of their outdoor spaces for people and for wildlife.

Tel: 0116 272 8866 e-mail: mrose@lrwt.org.uk www.lrwt.org.uk/learn-discver/schools May2013