Primary school level sessions

All the primary level sessions have strong links to the national curriculum and can be tailored to meet the requirements of individual classes.

Session details

• Duration - 55 minutes. Maximum of 45 minutes recommended for under 5's
• Animals - Up to three live animals per session (unless otherwise stated). Animals include tame reptiles, small mammals and invertabrates
• Biofacts - We use items such as skins, furs, tusks, horns, shells and stuffed specimens in most sessions (many or confiscations from HM Revenue and Customs)
• Multimedia - Short film clips are often shown to support your chosen topic. Close-up cameras may be used to show extra detail of our smaller animals.

Flexible sessions

If you would like emphasis on a particular subject, or a completely different topic, just give us advaced notice and we will be happy to tailor your session.

Special educational needs sessions

We welcome groups of all abilities to the Education Centre and are happy to discuss any special requirements. Special needs sessions can include the use of biofacts and live animals with corresponding large and small images plus all classrooms have audio loops.

National Curriculum and Foundation level links

Most sessions have links with the following: En1 Speaking and listening; Ma2.2 Numbers and the number system; Sc1 Scientific enquiry; Sc2.1 Life processes; Sc2.2 Humans and other animals; knowledge and understanding of the world. For further links to specific sessions, please see the individual session details.

The education sessions we offer

Please find below a complete list of the primary education sessions that we offer . Each is a link to specific information related to that session. Where relevant, there are also worksheets containing tips on pre-visit and post-visit activities, things you can do during your visit and suggested further sources of information. If you wantto know more or would like to book a session, please call 01179 747369 or email education [at] bristolzoo [dot] org [dot] uk

African experience
Animal Journeys
Colour and pattern
Discovery
Endangered species and habitats
Food and feeding
Growth and development
Habitats
M.A.D. for Madagascar
Minibeasts and me
Minibeasts senses and defences
Movement
Munching minibeasts
Nocturnal by nature
Numeracy - How many legs
Pets and animal care
Polar experience
Rainforest experience
Role of zoos - suitable for Y5+
Senses
Smarty plants
Variety of life
Water experience