Primary Schools Programme
Gerald Durrell’s legacy
Gerald Durrell as a boy in Corfu
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust or ‘Durrell’ as it is affectionatly known takes its name from its founder, the author and naturalist Gerald Durrell. Durrell has its headquarters in Jersey but works in wildlife conservation in many other parts of the world. Although he died in 1995 the Trust he created continues and has as its Honorary Director his widow and fellow naturalist, Dr Lee Durrell (MBE).
Lee Durrell
Gerald Durrell had a passionate commitment to “lifelong learning”, although he didn’t call it that. He often said that if he had the gift of Merlin, he would give everyone the magical childhood he had had on the island of Corfu, where he discovered his passion for wild animals, from earwigs to eagle owls, and studied their habits and habitats. He never lost that fascination, and many years later, when he and I worked together on that wonderful book, The Amateur Naturalist, we urged our readers, from schoolchildren to grandparents, to “go out and greet the natural world with curiosity and delight”. As Gerry wanted the Trust to become a “mini-university” for conservation, he also looked upon the Jersey Zoo, as it was known in his day, as a “classroom”. The Trust’s enchanting wildlife park would become a place for young people to learn about animals and the environment in a fun, practical and productive way. I am pleased that we have brought together under one roof our programmes for training conservation professionals and educating young people.
Dr Lee Durrell (MBE) April 2011
Conservation via 3 routes International Training Centre Based at Durrell the Centre has provided training to more than 3,000 conservationists from over 128 countries since 1985. We now also run courses in important centres of biodiversity around the world. Our courses also provide training for school leavers to postgraduate Master’s courses run with UK universities.
Wildlife Park The cornerstone of Durrell since it opened as Jersey Zoo in 1959. It houses our headquarters, our animal collection and the International Training Centre. Our animal collection supports conservation through breeding programmes, the provision of skills and training to conservationists and as an important tool for communicating with the general public. We are also able to support research and develop husbandry techniques with our animal collection that support the conservation of species in the field.
Field programmes Our field programmes are based primarily in the most imperilled island ecosystems in the world. One third of the organisation’s total staff is based overseas where they work closely with local authorities, NGO partners and local communities. We currently manage 50 projects located in 14 countries. Madagascar is the Trust’s largest programme region with 40 conservationists working in eight field sites. We also have projects in the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, the Galapagos archipelago, South East Asia and Jersey. Further details can be found on our web site.
Our eductional ethos We aim to marry teachers’ need to educate pupils under educational directives and the prescibed curriculum with our desire to develop an environmentally aware and active society. Sessions are developed to engage pupils and use their natural curiosity to discover more about the natural world and consider their place within it. The animals in the grounds are a great source of learning and delight. We welcome visits as stimulus for all subjects whether supported by direct Durrell teaching or not. We are open to discussion about what we can provide and welcome feedback as well the development of stronger links between Durrell and your school.
We hope that there will still be fireflies and glow-worms at night to guide you and butterflies in the forests to greet you. We hope that your dawns will have an orchestra of bird song and that the sound of their wings and the opalescence of their colouring will dazzle you. We hope that there will still be the extraordinary varieites of creatures sharing the land of the planet with you to enchant you and enrich your lives as they have done for us. We hope that you will be grateful for having been born into such a magical world. Gerald Durrell
The benefits of a Durrrell trip We are able to offer hands on experiences with biological artifacts, live animals, expert insights and a whole lot more depending on the focus of the session. Sessions are usually lively – both in discussion and activity! They can be classroom based or outdoors and often include touching reptiles or mini-beasts. Sessions can be a useful assessment tool for teachers as well as facilitating new learning and understanding. Our taught sessions allow the practicing of social skills and speaking and listening in a different environment as well being fun first-hand experiences that broaden the scope of school-based topics, demonstrating their application in the ’real’ world. This can in turn prompt a refreshed desire to engage with a topic. We can also assist with covering several aspects of the curriculum at once. To add to this we have over 140 animal species in our 32 acres of grounds, many of which are amongst the rarest in the world.
Eco Active Sustainable Schools Framework The States of Jersey has developed a Sustainable Schools Framework following the UK ‘Sustainable Schools Strategy’. It is designed to assist schools in planning year-round experiences that can benefit the school environment, the community as a whole and bring important local and global issues of sustainable development to life. Durrell is one of 30 organisations offering partnership and support to schools to work within the framework on both local and global dimensions. There are Eco Active awards available for active participation and funding can also be applied for to cover trips or equipment. ‘ECO-ACTIVE Sustainable Schools acknowledge the links between environmental degradation, poverty and world development and give young people a perspective from which to understand their own roles and responsibilities within the challenges of 21st Century’ http://www.gov.je/Environment/GreenerLifestyles/ GreenerSchools/Accreditation/Pages/EcoSchool1.aspx
A fantastic session! Well delivered, relevant and interesting. Lots of learning! Reception teacher
I asked my class what they thought they might see when they come to Durrell. I could tell by their answers that many have never been! It just goes to show how important it is that these kids come to Durrell with the school. KS2 teacher
Opportunities to touch live animals and the new vocabulary were most useful. KS1 teacher
The session was brilliant, children learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it. A great topic consolidation and extension of their learning. KS2 teacher
The ability to touch and observe various exotic creatures was fantastic. The session was so applicable and to see the students’ reactions and expressions was priceless. Special needs teacher
Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1
Mini-beasts
Mini-beasts
A hands-on session with some of our not so mini minibeasts. The session involves plenty of counting to establish which ones are insects.
Pattern, colour & camouflage
A variety of skins and other artifacts are used to discuss pattern and colour (& texture if requested). The session can also focus on camouflage and the reasons for an animal not wanting to be noticed.
Mothers & babies - new life
A look at which types of animals lay eggs and which babies grow inside their mothers including how each is kept safe whilst growing.
Animal ‘Homes’ – ‘The Gruffalo’
A basic look at different habitats using the popular book ‘The Gruffalo’ to engage the children and get them looking at animals using habitats similar to Snake, Owl, Fox & co. Prior knowledge of The Gruffalo story is key to this session. Sessions can often be adapted to focus on species of particular interest or to include cross curricular links such as Literacy. Additional topics can sometimes be catered for by prior arrangement.
A hands-on session with some of our not so mini minibeasts using the number of legs to determine which ones are insects. Can include the role of many ‘bugs’ as ‘recyclers’ and sorting of toy bugs and looking at minibeast biological artifacts (biofacts).
Pattern, colour & camouflage
Skins and other artifacts are used to discuss pattern and colour. The session can focus mainly on camouflage and the reasons for an animal not wanting to be noticed or can proceed on to other reasons for pattern and colour in animals, including why some want to be noticed.
Mothers & babies - new life
A look at which types of animals lay eggs and which babies grow inside their mother. Also how each is kept safe whilst growing before birth/hatching. Includes bug and egg handling and can proceed to look at extent of care for young.
Is it alive?
A look at the characteristics of living things, including plants and touching on the tricky matter of things that were once alive but are no longer. Also includes extent of parental care and infants that look differnet to their parents.
Classification
A practicle session sorting stuffed animals/skins etc into groups according to their body covering. Followed by identification of group names and characteristics if appropriate to the group.
Habitats
A look at what animals need from any habitat with a game showing that habitat and animal numbers are linked and tend to crash and recover.
Senses/nocturnal
An active session where children can demonstrate their own skills with senses and relate them to those of other animals. There is a particular focus of how animals use senses other than sight to be active in darkness.
Gerald Durrell
Most suitable for those that have been studying Gerald Durrell at school in Y2 or above. A short discussion about the man, followed by some lively games and activities highlighting threats to species, sucesssful projects and how extinction can impact on us all. Includes Gerald Durrell quotes and a book extract.
Please feel free to select topics listed in other Key Special schools Stages. Sessions can often be adapted to focus
on species of particular interest or to include cross curricular links such as Literacy.
Key Stage 2
Nature is an artist!
Bite size
Teachers are welcome to come to Durrell to use our resources for art session. These can involve using skulls, skins, feathers and stuffed animals for artwork as well as the live animal collection and can be school teacher lead. Durrell staff can also provide information about the artifcts and tips on sketching the live animal collection.
A review of mamalian tooth types and function followed by practical identifictation of carnivore, herbivore and omnivore teeth using real animal skulls.
Funny bones
A review of the role of bones in vertebrates. Pupils will discover how birds and bats are able to fly, that many animals walk on ‘tip-toe’, that tortoises bones are joined to their shell and that snakes have lots of ribs!
Classification
The importance of grouping animals for our understanding of them. From basic classification of vertebrates/invertebrates whilst sorting skins through vertebrate groups, broad mammalian features to classification of carnivore, herbivore & omnivore using skulls and teeth.
Variation & adaptaion
A particular focus on the variety of bird feet and beaks and their various functions. Can also include a variety of other adaptaions, such as flight, nocturnal animals, treedwellers, predators etc
Habitats
Incudes a game demonstrating what happens when animals get what they need and when they don’t. Comparison is also made between different habitats in the grounds (eg dessert and tropical) and how animals living there are adapted to get what they need.
Habitats & adaptation
The habitat game above followed by a look at features of animals that help them to live in tune with their habitat (eg forward-facing eyes, long arms for tree dwellers). Can be tailored to a specific habitat in many cases.
Rainforests
What is it like in a rainforest? How is it different to other forests and why are there so many plants & there? Also includes animal adaptations for rainforest life and why the forest relies on the animals that live there.
Additional topics can sometimes be catered for by prior arrangement.
Special schools Listed below are a selection of sessions that work well with groups requiring a very informal structure to sessions. The level of sessions can be adapted to meet individual requirements. Please also feel free to select sessions from any of the Key Stage categories as appropriate to your students.
Mini-beasts
A hands-on session with some of our not so mini mini-beasts. These sessions can include touching some of these animals and describing how they feel or move. It can involve counting legs, looking at similarities and differnces, a sorting activity or more in-depth discussions.
Food chains
A game is played to show how the energy from plants travels through the food chain to top predators. The children then ‘join’ to become a ‘food web’. (NB similar games played during the ‘Gerald Durrell’ session). There can also be a discussion about ‘food pyramids’.
Fur, Scales & Feathers
Students can touch a live snake and feel the skins of dead animals as well as feathers and other animal artifacts. These can be sorted and the different groups discussed according to the needs and ability of participants.
Gerald Durrell
A short factual discussion about the man, his books, films and ideas followed by some lively games and activities highlighting threats to species, sucesssful projects and how extinction can impact on us all. Includes Gerald Durrell quotes and a book extract. (NB similar games played ing the ‘Food Chain’ session). PAGE 4 OR 5
Enrichment – animal food
By prior arrangement students have the opportunity to make food for one of the animal species at Durrell and watch it fed to the animals by a keeper. We can also explain the various methods we use to stop the animals from becoming bored.
Nature is an Artist!
Teachers are welcome to come to Durrell to use our resources for art and design session. These can involve using skulls, skins, feathers and stuffed animals for artwork as well as the live animal collection and can be school teacher lead. Durrell staff can also provide information about the artifcts and tips on sketching the live animal collection.
Please feel free to select topics listed in other Key Stages. Sessions can often be adapted to focus on species of particular interest or to include cross curricular links such as Literacy.
Arranging a visit Choose a topic (from our ‘off-the-peg’ sessions or other) Decide which date(s) & times you want to come (most sessions start at 10am and last approximately 1 hour or ½ hour for nursery groups). Contact Chris Siouville by calling 860034 or email chris.siouville@durrell.org with the following information: • possible dates • number of children & adults • topic (also if introduction, extension or near conclusion of topic & any particular focus) • contact details • approximate duration of visit, if known • any particular needs of the group/individuals Our staff will then confirm if one of the requested times and dates is available and finalise arrangements. You are welcome to come on a free planning visit if you wish. Visits not involving Durrrell staff can take place as required. An e-mail to let us know you are coming enables us to allow smooth arrival and advise of anything that might affect your trip. Our website has lots of useful information and updates for the public and teachers and also lists our Key Stage sessions. To stay well informed visit www.durrell.org
Naomi & Chris
On the day
If arriving by coach, minibus or by ‘drop-off’ use the old Durrell entrance at the St Martin end. If arriving in cars that will be staying please use the main Durrell entrance and main car park. Once in the park head towards the Princess Royal Pavilion (PRP) which houses Durrell’s Education Department. The schools’ entrance is at the side of the building and there is a cloakroom where you can leave bags etc during your trip. Public toilet facilities are available in the Education building. As well as sessions booked with our staff we recommend you allow ample time for wider exploration of the animal collection. Spending time in the grounds reinforces the relevance of taught sessions as well as being very enjoyable, particularly for children who do not visit Durrell regularly. In poor weather we can sometimes arrange the use of indoor facilities for lunch.
Pricing Structure
All Jersey school visits are currently available free of charge. If we are unable to secure funding for visits in the future all schools will be informed of the change. There are discounted entrance rates available for nonJersey school groups. Teaching is also available for such groups as is accommodation on site. Please view our web site www.durrell.org for further details.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
A generic risk assessment for school visits is available on request for teacher guidance but please bear in mind that specific hazards will vary from time to time.
First Aid – several staff members are trained in First Aid. Any staff member can obtain assistance for you if required or direct you to the Visitor Centre at the entrance.
Paths – whilst some are tarmaced most are not and can therfore be uneven. There is access over grassed areas. Weather – most areas of Durrell are open to the elements. Vehicles – some motorised transport may be in operation on paths. Clothing - Please dress for the prevailing weather conditions and for walking. Animals – some of our animals are free-ranging but are still wild animals and should not be approached. Toilets – several public toilets are available on site including some with disabled access.
Lost children – The Visitor Centre is the main point of contact for reporting and re-uniting missing children. Many staff have radio contact and can assist in the grounds. Hygiene – animal droppings might be present in publicly accessible areas. Hand sanitiser is available in the classroom for taught sessions involving animal handling. Allergies – we have a wide variety of cultivated plants and ‘wild’ areas of long grass. In some taught sessions children may be involved in handling animal food stuffs.
We greatly enjoy the world, and we have always done our best to respect and protect it; we hope that you will do the same. Our planet is beautifully intricate, brimming over with enigmas to be solved and riddles to be unravelled ... so go out and greet the natural world with curiosity and delight, and enjoy it. All of us are born with an interest in the natural world around us. Watch a baby...crawling... about. It is investigating and learning with all its senses...From the moment we are born we are explorers in a complex and fascinating world. With some people this may fade with time or with the pressures of life, but others are lucky enough to keep this interest stimulated throughout their lives. Gerald & Lee Durrell, forward, ‘The Animal Naturalist’
Acknowledgement We would like to thank a local charitable trust who would like to remain anonymous and De Putron Fund Management for jointly financing Durrell’s 2011 and 2012 Schools Programme.
Photographic credits J. Stark T. Wright J. Morgan F. Marchant J. Ward G. Guida Durrell