Secondary School Programme

We are able to welcome one class, of up to 35 students, into our classroom at a time for fun, 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 and activity sheets 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 Secondary resources page .

Key Stage 3 and 4

Adaptations (Key Stage 3 only)

How do animals cope with extreme temperatures or living in water? What adaptations help animals climb or fly? Investigate a variety of physical and behavioural adaptations that help animals to survive in different environments.

Download the Adaptations teachers' notes (69 KB)
Themed notes for students to support learning about animal adaptations (776 KB)

Role of a Modern Zoo

How do zoos help conserve endangered species? Discover the 4 main roles of a zoo and how the work zoos do can help wild populations of endangered species using ZSL as a case study.

Download the Role of a Modern Zoo teachers' notes (63 KB)

Climate Change

How does climate change affect animals? We look at the effect of global warming on specific species and discuss how we, as individuals, can reduce our impact on the environment.

Download the Key Stage 3 Climate Change teachers' notes (66 KB)
Download the Key Stage 4 Climate Change teachers' notes (65 KB)
Themed notes for students to support learning about climate change (1.1 MB)

Enclosure Design

Using examples from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, we explore enclosure design and enrichment, taking into consideration the needs of the animals, their keepers and the visitors.

If you book this session you will also be able to enter our ‘Design an enclosure’ competition .
The competition is open to Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 pupils who have attended an enclosure design session at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Download the Enclosure Design teachers' notes (44 KB)
Themed notes for students to support learning about enclosure design (1.5 MB)

The competition runs for an academic year and the closing date for entries is 30th June. This is so all entries can be judged and winners chosen before the end of the summer term. There will be one winner from each Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 (post-16). Each winner will receive a goody bag from the Zoo.

Animal Training

Could you train an animal? Discover the science behind animal training - how we train animals at the Zoo and the importance of training for the animals’ welfare.

Download the Animal Training teachers' notes (58 KB)
Themed notes for students to support learning about animal training (1.0 MB)

Zoo Careers

Ever dreamt of working at a zoo? Find out about the wide variety of jobs that are available in a zoo like Whipsnade and the skills and qualifications that could help you get your dream zoo job.

Download the Zoo Careers teachers' notes (38 KB)
Themed notes for students to support learning about careers at a zoo (2.4 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 the Touch and Talk teachers' notes (33 KB)

Key Stage 4 (Only)

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 the Animal Communication teachers' notes (60 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 the Health and Safety teachers' notes (75 KB)
Themed notes for students to support learning about Health and Safety at the Zoo (1.7 MB)