Post 16 Studies
We are able to welcome one class, of up to 35 students, into our classroom at a time for informative and interactive session. Please choose from one of the following set sessions and call 0844 967 0832 to make a booking.
There are a variety of resources which can be used to support a visit to Whipsnade Zoo. Links to these can be found under the session titles. For a full list please go to the Post-16 resources page.
New for 2012:
We now offer four different study days at Whipsnade Zoo which compliment students' studies and extend their learning. Find out more in the study day section below.
Role of a Modern Zoo
What do zoos do? How do zoos help conserve endangered species? Find out how zoos help to conserve animals around the world from breeding endangered species in zoos to helping solve population crashes in the wild while still providing a fun place for families to visit.
Download Role of a Modern Zoo teachers' notes (71 KB)
Animal Training
Want to know how and why zoos train animals? Learn about the theory, find out how, look through training plans and discover the importance of training for the animals’ welfare.
Download Animals Training teachers' notes (62 KB) Themed notes for students to support learning about animal training (1.1 MB)
Animal Communication
Whether it is the need to establish a territory, the fear of approaching danger, or the need to attract a mate; animals communicate in a variety of ways. Find out why animals communicate and the different methods they use.
Download Animal Communication teachers' notes (61 KB)
Themed notes for students to support learning about animal communication (3.0 MB)
Enclosure Design: Cheetahs
Could you design an enclosure for a group of cheetahs? Find out about the species then have a go at designing an enclosure, taking into consideration the needs of the animals, the keepers and the visitors.
Download Enclosure Design teachers' notes (59 KB)
Zoo Ethics
What do zoos do and should they exist? Start a discussion about the ethics of zoos and look into why conservation organisations like ZSL exist.
Download Zoo Ethics teachers' notes (53 KB)
Classification
How are animals classified into groups? Using mammals as an example find out how species have been classified in the past and how new techniques are changing the classification system.
Download Classification teachers' notes (61 KB)
Health and Safety in the Zoo
There are health and safety considerations in every work place and Whipsnade Zoo is no different. Find out how risks are assessed and accidents prevented in a zoo environment.
Download Health and Safety teachers' notes (76 KB) Themed notes for students to support learning about Health and Safety at the Zoo (1.7 MB)
Touch and Talk
Using an array of biofacts, students are invited to improve their investigation skills and engage in personal enquiry. A useful session for all students, particularly for kinaesthetic learners.
Download Touch and Talk teachers' notes (34 KB)
Study days: want more from a visit?
Would you like to extend your students further; how about booking a study day? Study days have been particularly designed for A-level Biology and BTEC Animal Management and Animal Care courses. We offer four different study days which consist of two sessions in our classroom and each last an hour and 45 minutes. Study days are charged at the same rate as a single session so are great value for money.
Role of a modern zoo study day
Find out what zoos do for conservation both within the zoo and out in the wild. This day consists of two sessions. The first is the ‘Role of a Modern Zoo’ which looks into the 4 main roles of a zoo and is followed by an introduction to ZSL’s conservation work out in the wild in a session called ‘Conservation projects’. This study day can be especially useful for Edexcel AS biology visit reports. Download Role of zoos study day teachers' notes (74 KB)
New Enclosure design study day
Discover all the different aspects you must take into consideration when designing an enclosure and enrichment for zoo animals. Look at a selection of enclosures around the Zoo and find out more about their design. This study day includes a tour to a small number of enclosures as well as giving students a chance at designing their own enclosure for an animal at the Zoo. This study day compliments both BTEC Animal Management and Care courses. Download Enclosure design study day teachers' notes (48 KB)
New Enrichment study day
Learn about the different types of enrichment that we use at the zoo to keep our animal active and healthy. This study day includes both theoretical and practical sessions. Students have the opportunity to design a piece of enrichment to give to one of the species at the Zoo and watch how it is used. This study day compliments BTEC Animal Management and Care courses. Download Enrichment study day teachers' notes (46 KB)
New Animal behaviour study day
An animal’s behaviour can tell us a great deal and behaviour studies can be a really useful tool. Find out about ethograms, how they are designed and have a go at studying the behaviour of our giraffes to see how they use their enclosure. This study day compliments BTEC Animal Management and Care courses and includes a practical activity at our giraffe enclosure. Download Animal behaviour study day teachers' notes (42 KB)
