Education
The Education facility is based in the Discovery Centre and uses the Solway Coast for field work studies. The Education Department has been awarded the ‘Quality Badge’ by the Council for Learning outside the classroom. This nationally recognised award means that schools can book visits confident that their children and students will have a rich learning experience which is closely related to their curriculum or area of study. Their visit will be well resourced and the students will be actively involved in their learning. School and college visits are designed after discussions with the teachers about the focus for the visit. In this way the visit is tailored to the specific needs and abilities of the students and young children. Follow up activities are also suggested. A visit to the Discovery Centre and a meeting with the Education Officer prior to the planned trip is recommended.
A typical day will include a visit to the coast at Allonby, Mawbray or Silloth and related activities using the Discovery Centre which can also be used if the weather is unsuitable.
Topics covered can include:
- Settlers and settlements of the Solway
(dress up as a Cistercian monk or a mediaeval shepherd etc.) - Coastlines and coastal management.
- Habitats along the coast.
- Investigating the local area and contrasting with local areas.
- Environmental issues associated with the coast.
- Art and craft activities either on the beach or in the Discovery Centre.
Visits can be arranged for Key Stage 1 up to G.C.S.E. & ‘A Level’ groups.
For community groups such as scouts, guides etc. and home educated children, a small charge is made depending on the size of the group.
