Set in the English Channel just off the southern coast of England, the Isle of White – with its beautiful beaches littered with fossils and plenty of green spaces to explore – is the perfect spot for UK study tours focussing on the natural world. Your students will enjoy spending time in the great outdoors here, and with plenty of educational attractions highlighting the local landscape and environment they will be learning while they have fun.
Here are three great learning experiences that I’ve found students really enjoy on UK study tours to the Isle of White.
Take a Floral Tour of the Globe at Ventnor Botanic Garden
These wonderful botanical gardens, set in the heart of the island’s ‘Undercliff’ area, benefit from a unique Mediterranean climate (thanks to the sheltering effects of the chalk downs). This means that they are able to grow a vast variety of subtropical plants outdoors for your pupils to enjoy.
Divided into regions of the world, your class can travel from the indigenous flora of Europe to South Africa and on to Australia without ever leaving the Isle of Wight. As well as self-guided tours the educational centre here provides guided tours, talks and lectures based around the curriculum which cover subjects as diverse as Science, Geography, English, Art and Sustainable Development.
Discover More About the World’s Rainforests at Amazon World
Amazon World Zoo Park is more than just a zoo; it specialises in conservation and endangered rainforest species, including everything from lemurs and crocodiles to a wide variety of tropical birds. With more than 200 different species to see, educational visits usually include the chance to meet the animals up close and learn all about their natural habitat. There are a range of talks, quizzes and demonstrations on offer to school groups covering different curriculum subjects, including a talk on rainforest destruction and conservation of endangered animals.
Watch the Students Let their Hair Down at Robin Hill Country Park
UK study tours are about more than just curriculum learning – they are about giving your students the chance to work together as a group, develop leadership skills and grow in confidence. That’s why a trip to the Robin Hill adventure park during your time on the Isle of Wight is such a great opportunity for your class. With a range of play equipment for them to enjoy, giant slides and even a maze for them to explore, the day will help them to grow as individuals, and as part of a group. If you want to add an educational element to your visit then the park will supply curriculum-based resources for you so that your students can learn as they play.
The Isle of Wight is a wonderful location for outdoor-based UK study tours, not just because of the great weather, but because there are so many educational activities on the island for them to enjoy. In fact, there is so much to do here that it is well worth contacting a specialist educational tour operator to plan and arrange your trip for you – that way you’ll know you’re getting the most out of the island for your class.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in educational travel for school and youth groups. Whether you’re planning UK study tours, Iceland geography trips or trekking expeditions to India, you can trust both the educational and economic value of their itineraries, whether ready-made or specifically designed to suit the needs of your group.
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