Educational Outreach
One of the key aims of the Observatory is to provide outreach and education on nature to young people, particularly in schools. The Education Team at the Bay can offer events and opportunities in partnership with local schools of both primary and secondary level. The team has been able to visit schools to provide workshops and classes on a variety of themes to do with the natural world. These have included bird ID and birdwatching, understanding of ecosystems, classification, life cycles and adaptation. We always deliver a programme which is 'custom made' to match the needs of your curriculum with an emphasis on 'Learning Outside the Classroom’.
The feedback we receive from our sessions is always outstanding; "SBBO have supported the delivery of a number of our Science units across several year groups. The high quality workshops delivered by their Education Team have helped our children to understand key concepts through 'hands on' learning. They have also helped our children to see how the science they are learning is directly related to their environment." (Nathan Williams, Fellow of the Primary Science Teacher College St Peter-in-Thanet CE Junior School)
As well as these in-school sessions the Observatory itself can also play host for school groups, where trips around the recording area can be carried out to provide outdoor learning and education about the natural world, all linked to the National Curriculum outcomes. With have a number of outdoor learning areas which can be used to explore a variety of habitats, groups can do pond dipping, a beach exploration or a study of woodlands and much more. Or you may just wish to spend time in one of our great bird hides and learn about the joys of birdwatching from one of our experts.
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Additionally, the Observatory can also offer CPD training to members of staff at schools to help develop their knowledge of the natural world.
Apart from schools, the Observatory can deliver field courses and provide a base for university groups, where the wealth of the wildlife in the Recording Area provides excellent opportunities to survey a wide range of different species with a variety of techniques as well as provide background into careers in conservation.
All our services are currently free of charge.
For enquiries about opportunities with the Observatory for your school, college or university please contact our Assistant Warden Greg Lee who will ensure that the Education Team responds: