Environment Education
The rich blend of natural and historical resources at Culzean Castle and Country Park provide excellent opportunities for groups in the field of environmental education. The education programme at Culzean was set up as far back as 1969 when the grounds were designated Scotland’s first country park, and the Ranger Service was established. With over 30 years of experience, Culzean has a reputation as one of the most outstanding sites for environmental education.
For schools, a comprehensive range of activities linked to subjects taught in the classroom is offered. The aim of the visit is to give pupils relevant practical experience in a subject to complement classroom work. The schools programme is regularly updated in line with curriculum changes, and has been produced in close consultation with the Local Education Authorities.
Groups are led by the team of Ranger/Naturalists, Castle Education Staff and Guides, who aim to make a visit an enjoyable, challenging learning experience.
Last year saw over 15,000 children, from schools and community groups discovering more about their surrounding, through the environmental education activities at Culzean.
Primary Education
Environmental Studies 5 – 14
The educational services offered by Culzean is compatible with the 5-14 national guidelines. A visit to Culzean provides an excellent opportunity to broaden pupils’ knowledge of their ‘heritage and the need for conservation of the environment’ as stated in the guidelines under Developing Informed Attitudes. The two main areas in the curriculum in which Culzean can offer an input are Science and Social Subjects. The aim has been to provide a range of material that will allow teachers to bring pupils to Culzean several times during their primary school years and build on their previous knowledge. The programmes are arranged under levels A-D and it is hoped that teachers will choose a programme suitable for their class.
Religious and Moral Education 5 – 14
The “Earth Walk” is relevant to the natural world strand in the Personal Search attainment outcomes giving the children an opportunity to reflect on, and give a response, to the variety and beauty of the natural world.
Nursery Groups
Suitable short activities can be arranged for Nursery level, please contact us with your requirements.
Details of all the programmes can be found in the Primary Schools Information Leaflet, available from Culzean.
Contact.
Secondary Education
5 – 14, Standard Grade and Higher
Conservation management. A level E/F programme, based in the Country Park designed for pupils of S1and S2 is now available. This programme spans various disciplines and has strong links to ‘Developing informed attitudes and skills strands’ as stated in the 5 – 14 guidelines.
For pupils undertaking Standard Grade courses there is a well established comprehensive series of educational programmes.
There are some topics linked to the Higher syllabus available in both Castle and Country Park.
Details of all the programmes can be found in the Secondary Schools Information Leaflet, available from Culzean.
Contact
Tertiary Education
The staff at Culzean are happy to work with students from higher education, in the past this has included Countryside Management students and Teacher Training Students. There is no set programme, please phone to discuss your individual requirements.
Independent visits
Schools may wish to visit Culzean independently (without using Ranger or Castle Educational Services). Independent visits to the Castle or Park must be booked in advance to allow for co-ordination with other groups, to be allocated suitable study areas and to arrange parking for the coach.
Please contact us for further details and suggested themes for Independent Study.
Recreational Visits
Culzean is a popular destination for many informal groups and community groups, (such as Scouts, Guides, Sunday Schools etc) who wish to do a more informal environmental education activity.
Further Information
For a copy of the Primary or Secondary Schools leaflets, to discuss a visit, or to make a booking then please contact the Reservations Secretary.
Contact: The Reservations Secretary
Culzean Castle and Country Park
Maybole
Ayrshire
KA19 8LE
Tel. 0844 493 2148
Fax. 01655 884522
Email: culzeancountrypark@nts.org.uk
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