Making Sense of Our Site - Learning about the Jurassic Coast

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Making Sense of Our SiteLearning about the Jurassic Coast

Contents

Foreword 2

Driving Forward Education on the Jurassic Coast 3

Our Aim 4

Our Objectives 4

Outputs: How will we achieve these? 5

Site Management Details 8

Linked Strategies and Frameworks 8

Working with World Heritage 9

A Selection of Case Studies 10

Lifelong Learning and Volunteering 15

Some Case Studies 16

Education Opportunities 17

Outdoor Education 23

References 28

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The Dorset and East Devon Coast is England’s first natural World Heritage Site

and is commonly known as the Jurassic Coast. This unique stretch of coastline

has joined the ranks of the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the

wonders of the natural world. The Jurassic Coast was designated a World Heritage Site

in 2001 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

(UNESCO) due to its outstanding geology, which represents 185 million years of

earth history in just 95 miles. The variety of landslides, beaches, bays and cliffs results

in a constantly changing landscape, with spectacular features such as the Hooken

Landslide, Chesil Beach and Durdle Door.

The Jurassic Coast is a world-famous educational resource and historically it has

played a key role in the study of Earth Sciences. It is our duty to manage our World

Heritage Site effectively and education plays a crucial role in all aspects of site

management.

What are World Heritage Sites?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding universal value. They are

environments, buildings or artefacts which are particularly important to the history,

culture and fabric of humanity as a whole. They are places which represent our past

and which we will pass on to future generations. Despite the fact that World Heritage

Sites belong to the whole world, heritage as a concept is often very personal. It is

possible to view World Heritage Sites as a collection of stories; stories of both human

and earth history that when compiled reflect the things that give our lives and homes

meaning.

Education forms an intrinsic part of managing World Heritage Sites and is

specifically referred to in Article 27 of the World Heritage Convention (1972), where

educational and information programmes can be used ‘to strengthen appreciation and

respect by their peoples of the cultural and natural heritage defined in Articles 1 and 2 of

the Convention.’

Foreword

Five years ago, The Jurassic Textbook (2003) proposed

innovative ways in which the Jurassic Coast, England’s

first natural World Heritage Site, could be used as a tool to

promote an understanding of not only the outdoor

environment but also the value of Earth Science to many

educational audiences. Since the launch of this strategy,

and the appointment of a Jurassic Coast Education

Coordinator, there have been many achievements, most

notably in the formal education sector.

The Jurassic Coast has enabled and resourced over 350

teachers to bring the message of the World Heritage Site

into their classrooms. Over 2000 children and young

people have been engaged directly in projects associated

with the Jurassic Coast. Successful funding for many of

these projects has been secured from the Jurassic Coast

Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund. There is now an

established Schools Day at the annual Lyme Regis Fossil

Festival where hundreds of children and young people

have a chance to experience the wonder of the Jurassic

Coast first hand. In addition, the Jurassic Coast has

established strategic partnerships with leading national

bodies for science and geographical education such as the

Geological Society, Royal Geographical Society, the Natural

History Museum, the UK National Commission for UNESCO

and Natural England. As new challenges and opportunities

come to the fore, such as the London 2012 Olympic

Games and the evolving 3–19 years educational

entitlement, the Jurassic Coast education guidelines must

develop and adapt to encompass these changes.

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Driving forward Educationon the Jurassic Coast

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Our Aim

The Jurassic Coast covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East

Devon to Dorset, with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth’s

history. It is the international importance of the rocks, fossils and

landforms that are the core values of the World Heritage Site and these

factors play an important part in shaping our aims and objectives.

World Heritage status was achieved because of the site’s unique

insight into the Earth Sciences which depicts a geological ‘walk

through time’ spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

In order to increase awareness and understanding of the values of the

Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site and to give communities a

sense of pride and ownership, we have identified four key objectives:

Our Objectives

• To improve access to outdoor education facilities and create

learning resources along the Jurassic Coast.

• To create resources that focus on the values of the World

Heritage Site and to effectively disseminate these.

• Increased harmonisation of the values of the World Heritage Site

with the formal school curriculum from 3–19 years.

• Increased opportunities for lifelong learning and engaging with

the conservation of the Jurassic Coast.

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Outputs: How will we achieve these?

1. Generating educational resources means not only brochures, text

material, displays and web-based material, but also learning trails,

viewpoints and signage. We will find out what is already available from

a range of sources (including commercially published materials),

identify gaps in provision, identify potential creators, seek funding and

commission new resources, based on what is known about the

effectiveness of existing materials. Developments and progression

within the school curriculum will be taken account of in the

development of resources. We will seek opportunities to build on new

and upcoming Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)

education initiatives (e.g. The Action Plan for Geography and the

Diploma for Environmental and Land Based Studies) which will help us

to remain relevant to the needs of teachers, children and young

people. A sub-group within the Jurassic Coast Education Working

Group (EWG) will be set up to facilitate and co-ordinate the above,

and to disseminate findings.

2. Co-ordinating educational initiatives will be based on a database

of users and providers currently being generated, and will foster links

between these groups as well as dissemination of existing good

practice. Network links such as chat-rooms can be set up, and

occasional single-issue meetings will be convened to foster links in

areas where these are currently in the early stages. Such meetings can

also be valuable sources of feedback on provision. An e-

newsletter/hardcopy will be distributed three times a year to all the

Education and Heritage centres, schools, and community groups in

Dorset and Devon, to help them know what is going on at the centres

along the coast, the resources available to them, new developments

and how the Jurassic Coast can help to deliver the evolving

curriculum. This is in response to the challenges we are aware of in the

dissemination of information to partners and especially between

centres and schools.

St Joseph’s Primary School pupils visit theCharmouth Heritage Coast Centre

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3. Developing and co-ordinating field study facilities is a key aspect

of the EWG’s role. We will work towards the provision of further

facilities, improve resources at existing centres, develop further

training for wardens, instructors and volunteers, and identify gaps in

provision, e.g. along the East Devon section of the Jurassic Coast. We

will respond to requests to assist in the development of education

facilities at the various visitor centre/field centre projects as identified

in the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Management Plan. Existing

research will be used to stress the value to users, and we will lobby

relevant authorities via the Steering Group to support initiatives.

National examples of good practice, such as the National Trust

Guardianship scheme, will be disseminated as models via the

newsletter. The EWG will liaise with local press and seek further

support from education providers in the area.

4. Developing working partnerships is another key aspect of our

work. We will maintain and develop links with local authorities with a

view towards assisting in the delivery of the Devon and Dorset Children

and Young People’s Plans. We aim to link individual schools and

community groups with education centres and other sources of

potential support along the Jurassic Coast. We will do this by

identifying active schools and groups, fostering visits and placements

and arranging meetings for those interested in partnerships, based on

best practice models from elsewhere. We will strive to work in

coordination with relevant teams based within County and District

Councils to emphasise the importance of effective education

strategies. The EWG will also act as facilitators to seek funding for and

commission small-scale case studies of working partnerships, and

disseminate these to interested parties.

Redbridge Community School pupils on ateambuilding exercise at Leeson House

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5. Engaging with teacher education initiatives is a very important

objective. We plan to make full use of this valuable resource in terms

of both initial and in-service teacher training in university departments

of education as well as the Southwest Regional Science Learning

Centre. This collaboration has benefits for both partners, and could be

a major way of generating new links and partnerships. The EWG will

monitor and disseminate what is learned, as well as inviting partners

to share their experiences at single-issue meetings or via the

newsletter.

6. Developing national and international links will involve

strengthening partnerships with similar sites in the UK (e.g. English

Riviera UNESCO Geopark

and at Runswick Bay in

North Yorkshire) and

overseas. The Association for

Science Education (ASE)

‘Science Across the World’

website is an established

forum for schools to

exchange ideas, and could

be used as one vehicle for

linking. The EWG will also

publicise our work via professional journals, and we will explore the

possibility of working with the Council for Subject Associations as a way

to disseminate ideas. Links with other World Heritage sites could be

fostered in the same way. We will continue to maintain strong links

with national organisations such as the UK National Commission for

UNESCO, the Royal Geographical Society and the Natural History

Museum in order to sustain our national profile and commitment to

the excellence of environmental education and learning for

sustainability.

St Lucian teachers at a UNESCO/Jurassic Coastteacher training event

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Site Management Details

Management of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is the responsibility of many organisations;

public and private, local, regional and national. The World Heritage Site Steering Group represents

these organisations and is charged by the UK Government to oversee the implementation of the

Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Management Plan. The Site Management Plan covers a wide

range of disciplines, including conservation, education and visitor management and delivery is led

by a range of Working Groups, supported by specialists within the Jurassic Coast World Heritage

Team. The Education Working Group, formed in 2003, consists of a broad partnership of education

professionals who support the delivery of the education programmes along the Jurassic Coast.

Linked Strategies and Frameworks

Strategy or Framework

DCSF• Every Child Matters: Change for Children

(Government Green Paper, September 2003)• Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto

(November 2006)• Early years foundation stage, primary and

secondary National Curriculum Devon County Council• Changing Our Futures: Learning for Sustainability

in Devon (2007)• Children and Young People’s Plan (2008-11)• Raising Achievement Plan (2007-8)• Devon Education ServicesDorset County Council• Dorset Children and Young People’s Plan (2007-9)• Raising Pupil and School Achievement Plan (2007-8)• Dorset Outdoor Education ServiceJurassic Coast World Heritage Site• Jurassic Textbook: A Strategy for Education for the

Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (2003)• World Heritage Site Management Plan (2003,

revision in process)• Access and Inclusion Policy (in preparation)National Trust• A Vision for Learning (2004-7)Natural England• Strategic Direction Summary Document (2008-13)UNESCO• World Heritage Convention (1972)

Reference

www.everychildmatters.gov.uk

www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingandlearning/resourcematerials/outsideclassroom/http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/

www.devon.gov.uk/index/learning/plans_and_strategies/changingourfutureswww.devon.gov.uk/cypplan2008www.devon.gov.uk/cyps-raising-achievement-plan.pdfwww.deseducation.org

www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=345164www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=359703www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=384999

www.jurassiccoast.com/299/managing-the-site37/whs-management-167/world-heritage-site-management-370.html

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/wvision_for_learning.pdfhttp://naturalengland.communisis.com/NaturalEnglandShop/default.aspxhttp://whc.unesco.org/documents/publi_basictexts_en.pdfhttp://whc.unesco.org/documents/publi_infokit_en.pdf

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

has an active World Heritage

education programme, offering a wide

range of opportunities and projects that

people of all ages can get involved in.

Many of these projects help children and

young people in particular to interpret

the geology and science of the site

through many creative and accessible

means.

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Working withWorld Heritage

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A Selection of Case Studies1. Videoconferencing with Natural History Museum Scientists

Pupils at the Purbeck School had an opportunity to question expert

scientists at the Natural History Museum about fossils they were

researching as part of a science class through videoconferencing. Dr

Jeremy Rowe, a biology teacher, helped the class of pupils to dissolve

a block of shale to reveal the microfossils that were hidden inside. In

addition, pupils analysed an ancient fossil insect comparing it to

species that are seen today. One of the exciting outcomes of the

Question and Answer session with the scientists was that the pupils

were able to get a species name for the rare dragonfly fossil kept at

their school.

2. Festivals as a means to engage audiences

East Devon District Council’s annual

Coastal Festival celebrates the rich

diversity of the Jurassic Coast in East

Devon. James Chubb, the Council’s

Education Ranger, co-ordinates the

event, and is on hand to help children

and families discover the highlights of

the marine environment through

rockpooling events, snorkel safaris,

strandline scavenger hunts and

dolphin watching from Beer Head.

Other major activities at the Festival include the ‘Triassic Big Draw’

which uses the red sandstone pigments from the Sidmouth cliffs as

paint. Members of the public are asked to help paint a huge picture of

Triassic creatures, the result of which then goes on tour around the

District’s public galleries.

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3. Jurassic Coast Banners

Exmouth Community College students worked with artist, Jane

Witheridge to develop Jurassic Coast themed banners. Based on six

unique designs inspired by the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous

geological periods, the banners are on display at six locations

throughout Exmouth. Pupils sketched out their fossil inspired designs

and worked with Jane to draw up the final pieces. Using a batik

technique to paint onto silk fabric, the young people had a chance to

watch their creations come to life. The project was such a great

success that Seaton is now developing a similar project. Pupils from

Seaton Primary School and Axe Valley Community College adopted a

‘walk through time’ theme, and are using their local heritage and

landscape as inspiration for the designs. The banners will be on display

in Seaton town centre and along the seafront.

4. Urban-Rural School linking

Southwell Primary School on Portland maintains a strong link with

Dairy Meadow Primary School in Southall, near London. The linking

programme embraces subjects across the curriculum such as

Citizenship, Geography and Science. One project helped pupils from

both schools examine their local heritage links through Portland

Stone. In London, Dairy Meadow

pupils visited St Pauls Cathedral to

see how the stone had been

carved and used in the building.

On Portland, pupils had a chance

to try their hand at stone carving

in Portland Stone that came from a

Quarry on the Island. This linking

programme is an excellent example of how creating a culture of

tolerance, respect and awareness of natural and cultural heritage can

enrich the lives of school pupils.

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5. ‘Jurassic Fantastic’ Family Activity week

‘Jurassic Fantastic’ week took place at the Dorset County Museum in

the summer holidays to provide family learning opportunities for local

people and holiday makers. The new Jurassic Coast Gallery was the

focus for the week and inspired many different activities. These

included a drama workshop based on Mary Anning, a storytelling

session about fossils and dinosaurs in the gallery, a 3D art workshop

where the families worked alongside an artist to produce a wall panel

based on one section of the coast and an animation workshop where

the families made short films looking at how people use the coast.

Parents were encouraged to participate in activities with their children

which enhanced their experiences of the event.

6. Jurassic Coast Mosaics at the Lulworth Heritage Coast Centre

The Lulworth Estate in partnership

with DepARTure (Dorset County

Council Arts Education Service)

helped children and young people

get more in touch with the World

Heritage Site on their doorstep. A

group of 25 ‘gifted and talented’

mixed age students worked

closely with Anita Andrews to learn about the landscape that makes

Lulworth unique. Using photos taken on a field trip, the class designed

a visual impression of the landscape which was then painted onto tiles

that were later fired, then broken up and used in the overall mosaic

design. The eyecatching mosaics are displayed outside the entrance,

seen by half a million visitors each year. They depict two wildlife

themes: ‘land’ and ‘sea’ inspired by Lulworth and the Jurassic Coast

World Heritage Site.

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7. Creating conservationists for the future at Kimmeridge

A new and exciting project was launched at the Purbeck Marine

Wildlife Reserve in 2007, aimed at engaging local teenagers in marine

conservation along the Jurassic Coast. Each year a group of 15 young

people, aged 13 to 19 years, are trained in a wide variety of marine

biology and conservation topics, from learning to identify rockpool

creatures to conducting important seashore surveys monitoring

climate change indicators. In addition, the Young Marine Wardens

learn basic aquarium management, discover life beneath the waves

and help conserve the marine environment. The course is based on

practical activities and includes trips to other marine attractions and

the opportunity to gain a PADI snorkelling qualification! This

qualification will enable the young people to undertake supervised in-

water surveys including looking for invasive species and the native

wildlife such as the seahorse. As part of the project, young people can

work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

8. Global Citizens: Olympic Dreams

This pilot project funded by

DepARTure and the Jurassic Coast Trust

helped pupils from four inland schools

investigate the experiences that

athletes and visitors might have when

they visit Weymouth and Portland for

the London 2012 sailing events. Pupils

had a chance to sail on boats into

Weymouth Bay and view the Jurassic Coast from the sea. Working with

artist Esther Yarnold, they captured their experiences through digital

photography and developed their artwork through specific themes

such ‘green games’ and ‘accessiblity for all’. Esther then spent time

with each school helping the children to choose their favourite

pictures of the day and to create final digital pieces of artwork.

9. Jurassic Coast Trust supports Education Projects

The Jurassic Coast Trust (JCT) works with partners to support a diverse range of

education, conservation, arts and science projects along the length of the Jurassic Coast.

Some of the projects that the JCT have funded include fossil boxes for Heritage Centres

and schools, Jurassic Coast field trips and also student teacher development. The

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre hosted the first Jurassic Coast student teacher

placement as part of a wider programme to encourage and enhance out-of-school

learning with trainee teachers. Rebecca Powell, a PGCE student at Exeter University,

spent a week at the centre working alongside resident wardens to experience informal

learning experiences of primary age children. The one week placement funded by the

Jurassic Coast Trust, forms part of her assessment which will eventually lead to fully

qualified teacher status. The innovative placement scheme has been pioneered by

Exeter University, and is a model that is attracting attention from other teacher training

departments. The teacher placements form part of a new initiative to strengthen links

between teacher training institutions and Heritage centres along the Jurassic Coast.

UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPNet)UNESCO Associated Schools is a worldwide network of schools that are engaged infostering and delivering quality education in pursuit of peace, liberty, justice and humandevelopment in order to meet the pressing educational needs of children and youngpeople throughout the world. The main objectives of UNESCO Associated Schools areto integrate internationalism into the curriculum alongside themes that schools canchoose to adopt. One of these themes is the UNESCO ‘World Heritage in Young Hands’project, which was launched in 1994 to raise awareness among students and teachersaround the globe about World Heritage conservation. Across the UK there are amultitude of World Heritage Sites that can link up to explore the variety of natural andcultural heritage on their doorstep. The Jurassic Coast is leading on a national educationprogramme to coordinate UK World Heritage Sites with schools as part of a nationalstrategy to promote diversity and citizenship across the curriculum. UNESCO AssociatedSchools along the Jurassic Coast will be encouraged to participate in this programme.

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An important part of ensuring that the Jurassic Coast has a

sustainable future includes involving local communities in

opportunities that enhance their learning about the site and activities

that contribute to the conservation of the site. Significant changes

within the lifelong learning sector mean that the two strands of

learning are emerging. Accredited, work-related training delivered via

adult learning centres that are supported by Local Authorities and

personal, community and development learning (or ‘leisure’ and non-

accredited courses) delivered through organisations such as the

Workers Educational Association (WEA) and the University of the Third

Age (U3A).

The Jurassic Coast with its extraordinary natural assets, broad range

of expertise among staff in Heritage centres and dedicated teams of

volunteers, provides considerable scope for formal and informal

lifelong learning opportunities. Each centre offers opportunities for

individuals to participate in activities that help to support the

management, conservation and interpretation of the coast, with a

view towards encouraging a sense of place and pride about their

environment.

Another key objective for informal audiences is to assist in capacity

building for voluntary and community organisations across the Jurassic

Coast. There is a strong aim towards increasing volunteering numbers

and volunteering skills in advance of 2012, and addressing the

sustainability of participating organisations. In addition there is also an

identified need to engage people from a broader cross-section of the

local communities along the coast, and good practice in volunteer and

trustee recruitment and management (based on the Jurassic Coast

Access and Inclusion Policy) will ensure a long-lasting sense of

ownership and pride in the projects. This should contribute to the

sustainability of individual projects in a number of respects.

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Lifelong Learningand Volunteering

Some Case StudiesCommunity Volunteering at BeerBeer Village Heritage was formed to educate people about the natural and social history,

conservation and environment of Beer. It runs the Fine Foundation Centre and also

provides a programme of walks, talks and activities. The organisation relies on an

economically viable village with a good community structure to produce volunteers with

differing skills as required. When the new centre was being created, fundraising, project

management and practical skills were needed. Now the centre relies on regular

volunteers who open, close and clean the centre, feed the fish and collect the donation

money on a daily basis. The Trustees (also volunteers) call on wider group of volunteers

with a range of skills, such as artists, designers, computer experts, event leaders (e.g

guides, ornithologists) lace makers and cake makers to create the programme of events.

Much of the volunteering is ‘ad hoc’ – local fishermen drop in daily, helping to keep an

eye on the centre. Children are also encouraged to keep an eye on the centre and to help

with rockpooling safaris which appeal to all ages. Training sessions are organized for

those helping with specific events such as rockpooling. The aim is to encourage anyone

and everyone to join in.

Lifelong Learning at DurlstonDurlston Country Park currently provides a varied

programme of more than 70 guided walks and events

each year. In addition to these highly attended events,

Durlston offers dry-stone walling training courses,

wildflower identification workshops, hedge-laying

training courses and landscape painting workshops. A Voluntary Wardens scheme was

established in 2003 to establish a group of volunteers to assist with the management and

monitoring of Durlston in the Wares. More than 20 short courses hosted by Durlston staff

have been provided to this group on subjects including botanical survey techniques,

wildlife ID and livestock management. Durlston also established an Apprentice Ranger

scheme in 2005 to provide training opportunities for young people aged 16-25.

Apprentices receive a training allowance, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level

2 or 3 in Environmental Conservation and a range of other accredited qualifications

including First Aid, LANTRA (a Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based

sector) Brushcutter course, Health and Safety and others. The scheme is delivered

through a partnership with Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester.

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The Jurassic Coast is a classic fieldwork

site that attracts thousands of

schools, colleges and universities every

year. Locations such as Old Harry Rocks,

Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach and Lyme

Regis are now classic fieldwork

destinations for pupils studying a range

of subjects. The Heritage Centres along

the Jurassic Coast are equipped to help

schools and colleges explore aspects of

the World Heritage Site through trained

educational staff and dedicated

classroom and fieldsite resources. In

addition the Jurassic Coast Team in

conjunction with Devon Education

Services offer a suite of classroom-based

materials that are designed to integrate

with the changing elements of the

formal school curriculum 3–19 years.

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EducationOpportunities

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Learning themes

Rocks, Fossils and Landforms

Out and About• Dorset Important Geological Sites (DIGS) Group has created a

special range of field guides to help A-Level Geology and Geographyschool groups interpret the geology of the coast and countryside ofDorset. Packs cost only £3.95 each and are available from the DIGScoordinator at [email protected]

• Rangers at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre can assist schools who wishto learn more about the rocks, fossils and marine wildlife of the JurassicCoast. The rangers run an extensive programme of activities for Key Stages1-3, and also with GCSE, A-Level and special educational needs groups.Popular schools activities include Fossil Hunting Walks, Investigating Coastsand Geography and Geology tours. Fossil loan boxes are also available tohire.

• Lulworth is a classic destination to understand how geology shapes thelandscape. The Education Team has a range of resources including ‘LulworthRocks’, a 28-page full colour A5 book explaining the rocks and landforms atLulworth and interactive CDs with Powerpoint presentations, backgroundnotes, animations and practical data collection sessions.

• Durlston Country Park offers a range of Discovery Sessions focusing on localgeology. Schools can investigate local geology & stone quarrying, wherethey can visit two different quarries located in the Park. Study themes includerock formation, fossil evidence, resources and human impact on thelandscape.

In the Classroom• Jurassic Coast Fossil Dig Boxes are available for schools to hire from Dorset

School Library Services and Devon Learning Resources. In addition, schoolscan book a fossil dig session at the following museums and Heritage Centres:Durlston Country Park, Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve Centre atKimmeridge, Lulworth Heritage Centre, Dorset County Museum, CharmouthHeritage Coast Centre, Sidmouth Museum and through the EducationRanger at East Devon District Council.

• Jurassic Coast Schools’ Display can be hired through the Dorset SchoolLibrary Services and Devon Learning Resources.

• “185 million years younger! Rocks and fossils of the Jurassic Coast” is a KS2Science unit is a free CD of resources from the Jurassic Coast Team.

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Coastal processes and geomorphologyOut and About• The Chesil Beach Visitor Centre offers audio-visual interpretations of the

formation of Chesil Beach, a section through a Portland quarry, live seabed camera pictures and much more. There is an information pack and DVD,which includes KS2 & 3 worksheets, available on request from the Centre.

• National Trust Ranger-led sessions at Studland Bay help schools tounderstand the management and conservation of sand dunes and thesurrounding coastal geomorphology. The site is especially valuable for Y5/6GCSE and AS/A2 studies.

• Wardens at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offer guided sessionsexploring the coastal environments around Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

In the Classroom• “Investigating Coasts” unit for KS2 Geography is available from Devon

Education Services.

Environmental Conservation and Landscape ManagementOut and About• The National Trust at Studland offer guided walks and conservation sessions

on dry stone walling, heathlands, sand dunes and coastal path management.In addition they run a successful National Trust Guardianship schemeprogramme with local primary schools where children assist Rangers withscientific research and conservation.

• Durlston Country Park offers Ranger-led sessions on Country Parkmanagement on a World Heritage Site and sustainability issues. A CD ofresources is available.

• Rangers at Lulworth incorporate education for sustainable development intoall their guided programmes. There is a specific focus on sustainable tourismat Lulworth and managing and conserving sensitive ecological sites in a‘honeypot’ area.

• At the Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, schools are encouraged to book guidedwalks in advance of their visit. Volunteer staff offer guided walks on a rangeof conservation issues concerned with the management of the Fleet NatureReserve and how science can inform the management of the Site.

continued over...

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• The Charmouth and Lyme Regis coast ischaracterised by active coastal landslides. Wardens at the CharmouthHeritage Coast Centre offer sessions to educational groups that focus on theconflicts between managing and conserving a protected landscape against acommunity that’s threatened by natural erosional processes.

• The East Devon Education Ranger leads educational groups on a variety ofenvironmental conservation projects in East Devon that focus on Educationfor Sustainable Development.

Coastal management and environmental issues In the Classroom• “Coastal conflicts: a geographical enquiry along the Jurassic Coast” is a DVD

that explores the Jurassic Coast and the conflicts associated with coastaldefence works. The DVD is supported by associated learning materials forKey Stage 2 and 3 and is available to purchase from Devon EducationServices (www.deseducation.org).

• “The impact of landslides on Lyme Regis” is a free CD of resources availablefrom Jurassic Coast Team.

• “MSC Napoli Case Study” is a free CD of resources from the Jurassic CoastTeam detailing the impacts and effects of the cargo container ship beachingat Branscombe in East Devon.

• A free “Marine Coastal Education pack” on CD is available from the DorsetCoast Forum. This unit of work focuses on a variety of issues including marinewildlife, coastal geomorphology and the effects of pollution on coastalhabitats.

Leisure and Tourism

Out and About• Rangers at Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre offer taught field sessions on

managing a ‘honeypot’ site for schools visiting Lulworth Cove.

In the Classroom• A free “Tourism and the Jurassic Coast” CD of resources (created by the

Learning Skills Network) is available from the Jurassic Coast Team.

• A virtual fieldtrip exploring the new site for the Exmouth Visitor Centre isavailable on http://ulearn.infomapper.com/main (registration required).

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Biodiversity and wildlife

Out and About• Ranger-led Discovery Sessions are offered at

Durlston Country Park on Birds of the Cliff, Dolphins and the MarineEnvironment, Adaptations and Ecosystems and School Boat Trips.

• Ranger-led sessions at Lulworth Cove help pupils explore the ecology andmanagement of chalk downland and habitat around the local area andinclude opportunities for practical hands-on investigations

• The Education Ranger at East Devon District Council works to promoteaccess to the Local Nature Reserves in East Devon for school groups lookingto use the available facilities. The Ranger is able to provide guided walksaround the sites for whole and half day visits. The Ranger Service is offeredto schools, colleges and local interest groups, free of charge from the DistrictCouncil.

• Wardens at the Kimmeridge Bay Marine Reserve provide schools withcurriculum based talks/shore activities and equipment for use on the shore.Life Science activities are a speciality at the Centre, but schools can also optfor sessions on rocky shore zonation and marine conservation. A favouriteactivity is Snorkelling for Softies where pupils can lie on the rock ledges cangive ‘nose-to-nose’ encounter with rock pool inhabitants. A Strand LineScavenger Hunt also introduces pupils to life beneath the waves.

• Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers targeted sessions for pupils toexplore local marine wildlife. Rockpool Rambles and Passionate aboutPlankton sessions are very popular with schools, where pupils can examinetheir finds using microscopes at the centre.

History on the Coast

Out and About• Schools can find out more about the life and times of the famous Victorian

fossilist, Mary Anning, at the Philpot Museum, Lyme Regis.

• Durlston Country Park Rangers offer an historical tour of Durlston throughthe ages. Step back in time to 1862 and discover the aspirations of Durlston’seccentric owner, George Burt. His legacy includes Durlston Castle and theGreat Globe. In addition, schools can explore the history of stone quarryingin the 1800s which is also relived through two examples of quarries in thePark.

Citizenship and Education for Sustainable Development

In the Classroom• A “Food 4 Thought” CD of resources is available for free from East Devon

District Council. Education Ranger James Chubb has developed anexemplary resource that focuses on consumption and sustainability inrelation to local and global food issues.

• “World Heritage in Young Hands” is a free CD of resources available from theJurassic Coast Team.

• Schools are encouraged to look into the Sustainable Schools programmedesigned to support schools on their journey to sustainability, introducingthe principles of sustainable development and offering guidance on how toembed these principles into the heart of school life. Resources are availableonline from the DCSF and also from Devon Education Services and DorsetCounty Council.

Out and About

• The Magdalen Project at Chard runs a variety of sessions for schools focusingon global citizenship, environmental science and education for sustainabledevelopment.

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Details of how to access these education resources and opportunities are

outlined in the next section.

Here you will find a list of Heritage

and Outdoor Education Centres

that can offer your school assistance with

outdoor learning on the Jurassic Coast.

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Outdoor Education

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Heritage Centres (Day trips)

National Trust Education, Studland Bay

The Studland Study Centre is a fantastic environmentally-friendly building in

which to hold classroom-based activities. National Trust staff are available to assist

school groups or to help with fieldwork on site, particularly on coastal

geomorphology. Tel: 01929 450461, email: [email protected]

Durlston Country Park, Durlston, near Swanage

A magnificent setting for schools to learn about biodiversity and nature

conservation. An experienced team of Rangers is available for educational

activities, walks and talks. Read the Durlston Teachers’ Newsletter and download

the Guillemots Lesson Pack by visiting Teaching Resources or visit Discovery

Sessions to find out about school boat trips in May and June.

Tel: 01929 424443, email: [email protected]

Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, Kimmeridge

Marine biology brought to life at this cosy heritage centre with classroom space.


Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre, Lulworth

An institution for many geography teachers, Lulworth Cove is the definitive field

site location for schools. Specialist education rangers are available for talks and

guided walks. Tel: 01929 400155, email: [email protected]

Dorset County Museum, Dorchester

The new Jurassic Coast Gallery is an excellent starting point for schools learning

about the geology of the coast. Interactive displays and even a ‘real’ flying

dinosaur await you! Tel: 01305 262735, email: [email protected]

Portland Learning Stone Centre, Portland

The Portland Sculpture Quarry Trust offers a truly unique experience for schools

from stonecarving workshops to the first sculpture park in a quarry.


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Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, Portland

From glass-bottom boat trips in the Fleet to standing on top of Europe’s largest

barrier beach, schools can experience a unique coastal environment.


Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth

A team of experienced Wardens will help your school to interpret and enjoy the

Jurassic Coast through fossil collecting and guided walks. A new classroom space

is also available for schools to use.


The Philpot Museum, Lyme Regis

The Philpot Museum in Lyme Regis offers schools a unique insight into Lyme

Regis’s greatest resident, Mary Anning.


Exploring Nature Reserves in East Devon

The Education Ranger for East Devon District Council can help school groups to

interpret local fauna and flora at local nature reserves in the East Devon area.

Tel: 01395 516551 ext 2066, email: [email protected]

Fine Foundation Heritage Centre, Beer

Located on the seafront at the picturesque village of Beer, this unmanned facility

offers sealife tanks and local history displays.

Beer Quarry Caves, Beer

A great place for schools to experience local heritage in action. Experienced guides

will relive moments of smuggling, village life and local customs all in these ancient

caves. Tel: 01297 680282, email: [email protected]

Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth

The newly refitted observatory offers schools an amazing Planetarium and an

insight into ‘deep time’. An education officer can help target your school’s

experience. Tel: 01395 512096

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Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter

The museum has some fascinating exhibits including fossil finds from the Jurassic

Coast. Tel: 01392 665963, email: [email protected]

Outdoor Education Centres (Residential)

The Chatsworth Centre, Swanage

This residential outdoor education centre offers schools outdoor pursuit activities

but also educational programmes that focus on local heritage areas such as Corfe

Castle. Tel: 01929 421075, email: [email protected]

Leeson House Field Studies Centre, Langton Matravers, near Swanage

This Grade II listed manor house from the early 19th century provides a cosy

setting for schools wanting to access high quality Jurassic Coast educational

experiences. Tel: 01929 422126, email: [email protected]

Brenscombe Outdoor Activity Centre, Wareham

A residential centre that offers opportunities for children and young people to

participate in a wide range of outdoor activities including abseiling and kayaking.


Carey Outdoor Education Centre, Wareham

Situated on the edge of Wareham Forest in sheltered woodland, the site is ideal

for camping and the grounds provide an attractive setting suitable for a range of

environmental studies and outdoor activities.


David Donald Field Studies Base, Worth Matravers

Residential self-catering accomodation for schools located near the Jurassic Coast.


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YHA, Lulworth Cove, Lulworth

Basic accomodation for schools wishing to visit the Lulworth Cove area.


PGL Outdoor Education, Osmington

Situated directly on the Jurassic Coast, PGL offers a variety of fun-filled outdoor

activities and targeted education programmes for school groups. Teachers can

book in at the centre for a preview visit.


The Magdalen Project, Chard

A cosy and environmentally friendly setting for school groups to learn about

sustainability in action. Tel: 01460 30144, [email protected]

The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum

An environmental study centre in the heart of Dorset. Dorset Wildlife Trust

Kingcombe Meadows are right on your doorstep.


Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre

The Dorset County Council centre for land- and water-based outdoor activities.

These include sailing, kayaking, rock climbing and team development. Open all

year, providing opportunities for people of all ages.


For further information, contact the Jurassic Coast Education Coordinator

at Jurassic Coast Team, c/o County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ

Tel: 01305 225101, Fax: 01305 224875

email: [email protected]

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References

The Action Plan for Geography www.geography.org.uk/news/actionplanforgeography/

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Dorset AONB Partnership www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/

East Devon AONB Partnership www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/default.asp

The Association for Science Education

College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AA. Tel: 01707 283000 www.ase.org.uk/

Council for Subject Association (CfSA)

University of Reading, Building L19, London Road, Reading RG1 5AQ www.subjectassociation.org.uk/

Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCFS) The Diploma: Bringing learning to Lifehttp://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/

Devon Regionally Important Geological Sites Group www.devonrigs.org.uk

Dorset Coast Forum www.dorsetcoast.com

Dorset Important Geological Sites Group www.dorsetrigs.org.uk/

Earth Science Teachers Association www.esta-uk.org/main.html

English Riviera Geopark www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/

Geographical Association

160 Solly Street, Sheffield, S1 4BF. Tel: 0114 2960088 www.geography.org.uk

Geologists Association

Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0DU. Tel: 020 74349298 www.geologists.org.uk/

The Geological Society

Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG. Tel: 020 74349944 www.geolsoc.org.uk/index.html

Global Network of National Geoparks www.unesco.org/science/earth/geoparks.shtml

Heritage Lottery Fund www.hlf.org.uk/English

Jurassic Coast Trust

34 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1HA. Tel: 01305 251333 www.jurassiccoasttrust.org

National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/

Natural England www.naturalengland.org/

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Tel: 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk

Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)

1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR. http://www.rgs.org/HomePage.htm

UNESCO Associated Schools Network

UK National Commission for UNESCO Secretariat, Suite 98, 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL. Tel: 020 77663460 www.unesco.org.uk/UNESCO_Associated_Schools.htm

UNESCO World Heritage Centre www.whct.org.uk/

Artwork and Illustrations on pages 2, 18–21 by Darrell WakelamArtwork on back cover by pupils from Axe Valley Community College as part of the Seaton Banners ProjectDesign & production dlr design (part of DDP 01392 383276)Printed on 100% recycled paper and published in 2008

www.jurassiccoast.com

Making Sense of Our Site - Learning about the Jurassic Coast

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