          Educational Visits- There is currently a qualified and experienced teacher (Sue Leslie) based at Woodgate Valley, who works with the Ranger Service to provide educational activities for schools.
- Sessions are based in the classroom and the Valley, and are linked to the National Curriculum.
- Half-day teaching sessions can be booked on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Schools can also book whole-day visits. There are some whole-day sessions available (October to March only). It is also possible to book whole days, where the teacher (Sue Leslie) leads half a day, and a Ranger leads the other half-day.
Session Times- Morning Sessions: 10am – 12pm
- Afternoon Sessions: 1pm – 3pm
- All-day Visits: 10am – 3pm
Ratios- We can cater for a maximum of 30 pupils per class.
- Nursery/Under 5’s - 1 adult:4 children
- Over 5’s – 1 adult:15 children (minimum – strongly suggest 1:10 due to the nature of the outdoor activities)
Costs- The teaching sessions are currently free of charge for 2006-7.
- School have to pay for their own transport costs.
Transport- Many local schools walk to Woodgate Valley.
- Some schools book their own bus/coach.
- Some use the public service bus. The number 23 bus from the City Centre goes through Harborne and stops on Clapgate Lane, just a 5 minute walk from the visitor centre.
Morning Snacks- There is no morning snack time at Woodgate Valley. It is unhygienic to eat/drink whilst working outside.
- Please encourage all adults and children to have a proper breakfast in the morning before the trip.
Lunch- Inside: The classroom base can be used as a lunch area. The football changing rooms can also be used.
- Outside: If weather permits, schools can picnic outside on the benches and picnic tables.
Other facilities- There is a small playground outside the Visitor Centre, which schools can use at lunchtime.
- The playing fields behind the Visitor Centre can also be used. (bring your own footballs etc.)
- Souvenirs can be bought from the Visitor Centre desk. £1 per child is more than enough.
- There are male and female public toilets in the Visitor Centre, which schools can use.
- There is also a small café.
Pre-visits- If you have never been to Woodgate Valley before, it is advisable to make a pre-visit.
- Phone the teacher (Sue Leslie) to arrange.
- Or come to the Visitor Centre at any time and talk to the Rangers/look around on your own.
|
