Bringing topics to life
A visit to one of our zoos offers a fantastic day of experiences that will bring your curriculum topic to life: your pupils can see and hear living examples of the plants, animals and habitats that they are learning about back at school.
Read on to see how we can help shape your school’s visit to one of our zoos.
Meet and greet
We’ll begin your visit by meeting you on arrival and giving you a short welcome, complete with important information, all the latest zoo news and a special challenge for your pupils!
Linked learning
We deliver sessions that complement your classroom curriculum teaching so that your pupils get the very most out of the day. Examples include:
Paignton Zoo
Watch our giraffes feeding on branches while you’re learning how adaptations like long tongues and necks allow them to reach food that other animals can’t.
Newquay Zoo
Spot our penguins swimming underwater to learn how their aerodynamic shape and counter-shading feathers help them to avoid predators.
Mini sessions
As part of our schools bookings, we offer a free 20-minute mini-session based at one of our enclosures. This format complements classroom learning back at school, using our animals and natural exhibits to illustrate key points.
These sessions not only give children the chance to see our animals and learn more about them, they also encourage pupil observation and participation in a relaxed and informal setting.
Find out more about our Primary sessions by clicking below.
Classroom workshops
If you’d prefer an indoor activity, we can offer a range of sessions in our education centre at a small additional charge of £30.
Click below to find out about our indoor learning options.
Early Years Curiosity Quest (30 mins):
A fun, hands-on session where the children investigate a selection of artefacts including eggs, skulls, bones, furs and horns.
KS1 African Safari (40 mins):
Take a trip around the amazing continent of Africa by investigating artefacts connected with African species in this fun treasure hunt.
KS2 Plastic Oceans (40 mins):
Investigate the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans by sorting through material collected in a recent beach clean and hunting for nurdles in our fun challenge.
KS2 Conservation Conundrum (40 mins):
Pupils will be challenged to work together and solve puzzles to save wildlife in this escape-room-style adventure.
Please note that there is a maximum of 32 pupils per session. Not available May–July.
Please note that we are currently unable to offer indoor sessions while our education spaces undergo renovation.
Schools Go Free In ‘23
To celebrate Paignton Zoo’s centenary, in 2023 we are offering free school visits to all students between early years and KS4 (ages 3–16) at both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo. Contact us to take advantage of this amazing offer.
Book now
To make a booking and discuss what we can offer you, please email or ring us today. All the information you require for a visit, including risk assessment guidelines, will be emailed to you after booking.
