Education
Education Programme 2024
The Sussex Dolphin Project education programme is designed to inspire and engage local children and young people to learn about the incredible wildlife we have just off the Sussex coastline. This is completed through well-planned teaching and learning experiences which are designed to be engaging, challenging, and lots of fun!
Through this educational programme, we aim to encourage a practical interest in the conservation of marine habitats that lie beneath the waves by learning all about the creatures that live on and around the sea, how they are related to one another, and how this is changing through both natural and man-made processes. Older students will also consider what should be done to look after these creatures and their homes in the future as well as using case studies to analyse theories within ecology and how conservation is done in practice. We also offer whole-school assemblies which give an overview of Sussex Dolphin Project as an organisation.
In addition to our in-class workshops and assemblies, we offer a ‘Beach Discovery’ session where children are encouraged to experience the beach for themselves. These sessions incorporate many of the core national curriculum subjects, especially Science, Art, Music, and Geography, in a way which allows children to learn experientially. For the inspiration behind our ‘Beach Discovery’ sessions, please visit the Sussex Wildlife Trust’s website: https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/environmental-education/wild-beach.
Our Workshops
Our workshops are based on the National Curriculum – across all the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) and the foundation subjects (notably art and design, citizenship (for older students), design and technology, geography, history, music and physical education).
Learning themes include:
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) (Below 5 years) – Animals in their Homes.
KS1 (5-7 years) – Animals in their Habitats.
Lower KS2 (7-9 years) – Animals and Food Chains.
Upper KS2 (9-11 years) – Animals, Adaptation, and Evolution.
Lower KS3 (11-13 years) – Marine Life and Conservation.
Upper KS3 (13-14 years) – Structure and Function in Marine Organisms.
Lower KS4 (14-15 years) – Conservation and Restoration of Habitats.
- Upper KS4 (15-16 years) – Taxonomy and Extinction Risk.
KS5 (16-18 years) – Current Research in Conservation and Human-Wildlife Conflict.
SEN (any ages) – Learning themes to be discussed and agreed with teachers prior to visit.
- Please note: The content of our workshops and outdoor sessions are currently undergoing a fresh coat of paint. These topics are currently being developed (July 2024).
The process
In all key stages, teachers will be encouraged to add to the learning themes depending on the needs of their students. This will be discussed and agreed upon between teachers and Sussex Dolphin Project’s education team.
Specific learning outcomes for SEND students will be created for each session through discussion with teachers.
There is no cost to the institutions for this service.
As a package, Sussex Dolphin Project offers whole school assemblies, in-class workshops, and out of school ‘Wild Beach’ sessions (see above).
If you would like more information about the learning themes and topics covered, please request a ‘Programme of Study’ for your age group by sending us a request to the below email addresses.
If you have any other questions, or would like to make a booking please contact Sussex Dolphin Project by emailing our education team direct: amber.cherrington@sussexdolphinproject.org AND education@sussexdolphinproject.org
Please do get in touch for more information about prices.
Schools Visited Across Sussex
- St. Henry Fermor Church of England Primary School, Crowborough – Beach Discovery Session + Two Lower KS2 Classroom Sessions (2024)
Broadwater Church of England Primary School, Worthing – Two Lower KS2 Classroom Sessions (2024)
Arunside Primary School, Horsham – EYFS and KS1 Assembly, Two KS1 Classroom Sessions (2024)
Coombe Road Primary School, Moulsecoomb – Whole School Assembly, EYFS and KS1 Classroom Sessions (2024) – Partner School!
Brighton Girls Prep, Brighton – KS1 Assembly (2024)
Durrington High School, Worthing – Careers Week Stall (2023)
Cradle Hill School, Seaford – Whole School Assembly (2023)
Each Peach Childcare, Hove – EYFS Classroom Session + Beach Discovery Session (2023)
St Peter’s Community Primary School, Portslade – KS1 Classroom Session (2023)
Rotherfield Primary School, Rotherfield – KS1 Classroom Session + Beach Discovery Session (2022)
Teacher feedback
“Thank you for delivering your workshops this morning! The children really enjoyed it and the slides reinforced the children’s learning from this topic, particularly the language/ vocabulary – this was pitched very well.“
Nick Bellenie and Susie Emerson, Year 2 Teachers, Broadwater C of E Primary School, Worthing (2024)
“The Sussex Dolphin Project team went above and beyond our expectations. During our Global Goals Art Exhibition they ran an engaging and inspiring workshop one Saturday for our children and Portslade community at Peter Gladwin Primary. Our families took part in art activities, watching videos of the dolphins and talking with the experts on their work and information about the dolphins off our coast. We have had really positive feedback from lots of the children and community that attended.
Following on from this the team visited one of our assemblies to talk to the children about the important work the volunteers do in conservation and fact finding about the different species of dolphins in our local seas. The children loved finding out about the dolphins, watching the video clips and they came up with some great questions.
Thank you to the volunteers at the Sussex Dolphin Project who do an amazing job. I would highly recommend a visit from this team.”
Karen Harrison, Head Teacher, Peter Gladwin Primary School, Portslade
“Thank you so much for coming along to the Barns Class yesterday, I do believe they had the most wonderful time!
“From my point of view, it was just what this class needed in a way that they could access. I felt that you had listened to what I had said about this class and you facilitated this to happen in a way that was meaningful to them. I like the way you stood back and watched the interactions that were happening.”
Tracey, teacher of SEN students at a primary school, Shoreham-by-Sea
“The feedback from the sessions was wonderful. All the children and staff enjoyed it and had so many positive things to say and lots of new knowledge to share. So much so that we have been thinking of ways to involve you again.
We are looking at going to Goring Beach in two groups and wondered if you would like to be our guide if you are available and think this is a good idea? I was thinking we could explore the rock pools, the wildlife, learn some new facts and have a picnic on the beach.”
Lorraine, teacher of SEN students at a primary school, Ifield, Crawley