Planning your activities for Key Stage 1-3 and GCSE/A-Level Groups
1 Any of these activities can be combined with any other. However some fit better into a weekly program when combined with specific other activities. Please speak to us for more information and advice on planning your visit.
2 All of the activities listed here can be run to meet the needs of your year group, most can be adapted for use anywhere between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 3. We can also tailor packages for GCSE and A-Level groups
3 If you want more information on how our activities can be used in conjunction with the national curriculum Please contact our tutors.
Our activities and how they link to the school curriculum
Mammals
Either an introduction to mammals or a longer small mammal survey. Activities will cover the characteristics, habitats and diets of some of the UK’s indigenous smaller mammals.
- Geography
- Design & Technology
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Minibeast Survey
Use the Rippledown wild area to search for minibeasts. Once they have been located investigate the habitats they live in and the adaptations they have made in order to survive.
- English
- Science
- Geography
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Habitat Investigation
Through a walk to a local woodland investigate different habitats and what makes them suitable for the creatures that inhabit them.
- English
- Science
- Geography
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Pond Dipping
Use our newly refurbished pond to investigate a freshwater ecosystem, its development and the food chains/webs present within it.
- Science
- Geography
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Rock-pooling/Beach Scavenger Hunt
Discover the fauna and flora of the marine ecosystem through a hands on survey, and see practical examples of the processes through which our coast is created.
- Maths
- English
- Science
- Geography
- PE
- Citizenship
River Study
Investigate the course of a river from source, looking at physical characteristics such as meanders, tributaries, confluences, waterfalls and management techniques. Finish off by creating your own mini dam!
- English
- Science
- Geography
- Design & Technology
- PE
- Citizenship
Treasure Trail
Using map reading techniques and good old fashioned running around to investigate the grounds of Rippledown and crack the secret. This activity also includes looking out for and collecting natural ‘treasure’ leading to a discussion of the environment.
- Science
- Geography
- Design & Technology
- Art & Design
- PE
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Map & Compass
Either an introduction or further work based upon existing knowledge. This activity will teach the group how to use a map and compass and then follow up with practical activities.
- Maths
- Geography
- Citizenship
Fieldwork Skills
A vital activity for any group highlighting the skills and techniques for preparing for the outdoors. Covering what you need to wear, to take and how to get all of it into your rucksack. Followed up by a practical exercise.
- English
- Science
- Geography
- PE
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Shelter Building
Use our sustainable shelter as a starting point to learn about both historic and modern sustainable building techniques. Try your hand at wattle and daub and then create a shelter big enough to get inside.
- English
- Geography
- History
- Design & Technology
- Art and Design
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Pipehenge
Use one of only two free standing astronomical calculators in the UK to learn about the motion of the sun and moon, the length of day and why our days and nights change length.
- Maths
- English
- Science
- Geography
Team Building Activities
Through either small group or large group activities build the social links between your group as they work together to solve a set of problems.
- Maths
- Science
- Geography
- Art & Design
- Design & Technology
- PE
- Citizenship & PSHE
Roman Technology
A practical activity to discover examples of Roman technology and how they used it to solve long distance communication problems. This activity also encourages and develops team work and improves group dynamics.
- Maths
- Geography
- History
- Design & Technology
- Citizenship
- PSHE
Dover Seafront & Museum
Investigate how Dover has changed over the past centuries from pre Roman times, through WW2 to present day physically and geographically and finish with a visit to the museum to see the oldest sea-going vessel in the world.
- Geography
- History
Countryside Ramble
A walk of variable length through agricultural land and woodland. This activity covers habitats, life processes, food and farming and our tutors will take the group through anything interesting that occurs on route.
- Science
- Geography
- PE
- PSHE
- Citizenship
Food & Farming
A walk from Rippledown towards Ripple with the emphasis being on food and farming and where our food supplies come from. This activity also looks at allotments and growing your own food.
- Science
- Geography
- Citizenship
Ringwould Village Survey
Investigate the history of the village of Ringwould and its church through a look at the buildings and structures that make up the settlement. Find out how the village has changed over the past centuries with our knowledgeable guides.
- Maths
- Geography
- History
Environmental Art
Use the natural resources around us to create either temporary or permanent art work, inspired by our tutors.
- Art & Design
- Design & Technology
A rough guide to other free and paid activities in the area |
|
| Canterbury Cathedral | Entrance £3 per person -
Costume Trail 50p per person – Lunch Room £1 per person |
| Canterbury Tales | £4.75 per child (1 adult free per 10 children) |
| Canterbury Museum | Students and concessions £6.00 |
| Crabble Corn Mill | £2.50 per child |
| Deal Castle | English Heritage FREE |
| Dover Castle & Secret Wartime Tunnels | English Heritage FREE – Tunnel tours limited to certain times |
| Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat | FREE to groups staying at Rippledown. £2.50 per child for pre-booked workshops |
| Howletts Wild Animal Park | £7 per child |
| Richborough Roman Fort | English Heritage FREE |
| Roman Museum – Canterbury | Students and concessions £5.00 |
| Roman Painted House | £1 per child (leaders free), £10 for special opening |
| South Foreland Lighthouse | National Trust – FREE to booked groups from Rippledown |
| Wildwood Woodland Discovery Park | Educational Activities designed for groups of 30 maximum from £15 – £50 |
| Wingham Wildlife Park | £3.50 per head |
| Walmer Castle | English Heritage FREE |
| Pines Gardens | Free |
| Tides Leisure Pool | £3.80 per person after 3pm (subject to certain days times) |
