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Environmental Education
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Picture-013Welcome to the Environmental Education Service based at Dare Valley Country Park.

All our professional and friendly education staff are CRB checked and have training in child protection, minibus driving and first aid. Some are also Forest School trained.  We offer a range of activities including fun, educational programmes for school and community groups, INSET training for staff and 'Discovery Day' weekend family events for the general public.

Educational Programmes

The Environmental Education Team at Dare Valley has always prided itself in the delivery of quality education programmes that meet the needs of schools.

DSC01039We offer a range of half and full-day programmes linked to the new "Framework for Children's Learning for 3-7 year olds in Wales" (Foundation Phase) and the new Key Stage 2 National Curriculum.  All programmes contribute to section 1, "Developing thinking across the curriculum" and section 2, "Developing communication across the curriculum", of the "Skills Framework for 3-19 year-olds in Wales".  All programmes have strong links with the "Personal and Social Education Framework for 7-19-year-olds in Wales".  

We use a range of games, activities and role-play to bring education to life, stimulate interest and inspire!  A number of programmes are offered from Glyncornel Local Nature Reserve, Llwynypia and Darran Park, Ferndale.

Foundation Phase Programmes in Brief

  • Seasons - A half-day experience of nature's seasonal changes in old oak woodland.
  • Sensory Walk - A half-day introduction to nature's exciting touchy-feely world.
  • Habitats - A half-day programme examining either the pond or the woodland habitat.
  • Contrasting Location - Newton Village - A full-day excursion taking a tour of the Norman village of Newton.

Key Stage 2 Programmes in Brief

  • Habitats - Full or half-day programme examining the woodland and/or the pond habitat.
  • River Study - A full-day study of a river from source to sea.
  • Changing Valley - A half-day historical study of the changing Rhondda Fawr.
  • Contrasting Location - Porthcawl - A full-day excursion looking at the contrasting location of the seaside town.
  • Orienteering / Teambuilding - A full or half-day challenge navigating the orienteering course and completing teambuilding games.

Facilities

Outdoor Classroom

All on-site programmes begin with introductory games and activities under the painted canvas roof of our outdoor classroom. We also have a dedicated classroom where we can eat packed lunches in poor weather.

Transport

We currently supply free transport to RCT schools, for up to 30 children plus 2 staff (up to 28 children if under 9, plus 4 adults) to and from school and for off-site excursions.

Equipment

The service is well resourced with a wide range of scientific field studies equipment.  We can also provide full waterproofs and wellies upon request.

Booking

For further details or to make a booking contact the Education Team on 01685 874672.