School’s out – for hidden treasure!

Education specialists at A Rocha UK are celebrating one of their busiest summer terms – with record numbers of participants and rave reviews from local schools.

They’ve influenced more than 1,500 children – plus their parents and teachers – in 60 lessons and activities from ‘bear hunts’ to play schemes, with the odd humorous impression thrown in! Feedback has ranged from ‘amazing opportunity’ to ‘great location with great people’.

ALL-AGE EDUCATION

Environmental Education Officer David Melville and Education Intern Karolin Kestner have seen an increasing openness to environmental issues. ‘We meet many school helpers who emphasise the importance of “doing what we do”,’ said David.

The grown-ups can’t resist taking part. ‘Sometimes when we ask the children a question, the adults answer as they’re keen to learn, too,’ David explained. ‘This is all-age education. Teachers and parents are impacted just as much.’

Positive responses came from staff and pupils attending events at Minet Country Park. ‘Even when the weather wasn’t great, everyone came back smiling,’ said Lead Teacher (Humanities) Punam Ramji of Guru Nanka Sikh Academy, Primary Phase.

‘David was a fantastic host – guiding us around Minet’s seemingly abundant hidden treasures, tying in our science topics,’ said Lead Teacher Kristian Hale from Blair Peach Primary School. ‘The children particularly loved his David Attenborough impression about black-headed gulls. Karolin was also very helpful.’

GREAT LOCATION

There were similar comments after activities at A Rocha UK’s Wolf Fields urban nature reserve. ‘A really lovely trip, lovely atmosphere and a great location with great people,’ said Lina Stathopoulou, Lead Teacher at Norwood Green Juniors.

Boosted by such generous remarks, A Rocha UK’s education team have been gearing up for autumn. ‘The next season may not be as busy as spring and summer,’ said David, ‘but usually we have appointments in the first half-term. So book early!’