{"id":167,"date":"2015-11-12T10:33:26","date_gmt":"2015-11-12T10:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/grandwesterncanal\/?page_id=167"},"modified":"2026-10-23T14:06:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T13:06:20","slug":"education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/education","title":{"rendered":"Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">School visits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Grand Western Canal Country Park and local nature reserve is an excellent site for school visits. The Country Park provides a variety of educational opportunities for groups of all ages and abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activities for primary schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pond dipping<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Pond dipping\" class=\"wp-image-2975\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22-420x315.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-Visit3-24.5.22.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim: Use nets to collect a range of freshwater species, use keys to identify them and learn about their lifecycles, adaptations and feeding relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can include (some\/all of):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>identification of creatures using keys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>counting and tallying numbers of each species<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>food chains and webs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lifecycles of different species<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>effects of pollution on pond life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minibeast hunting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/IMG_0524-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"West Hill Primary School looking for minibeasts along the towpath\" class=\"wp-image-2977\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/IMG_0524-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/IMG_0524-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/IMG_0524-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/IMG_0524-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/IMG_0524-scaled.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/IMG_0524-640x853.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim: Use different methods to collect and identify a range of invertebrates and learn about their lifecycles and feeding relationships<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can include (some\/all of):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>identification of minibeasts using keys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>classification of minibeasts into different groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>body parts and functions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>comparing minibeasts along hedgerow and grasslands using different sampling methods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>camouflage games<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>food chains and webs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lifecycles of different species<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>natural artwork, using natural materials to create pictures of minibeasts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tree walk along the towpath<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-visit-20.5.19a-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Blundell's Prep School on a Tree Walk \" class=\"wp-image-2973\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5;width:300px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-visit-20.5.19a-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-visit-20.5.19a-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-visit-20.5.19a-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-visit-20.5.19a-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-visit-20.5.19a-640x426.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/200\/2022\/11\/Blundells-Prep-School-visit-20.5.19a.jpg 1993w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim: to appreciate the diversity of plant life and learn to identify different types of trees that we have within the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can include (some\/all of):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3 mile walk along the towpath<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>identification of plants and animals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sensory games and activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>food chains and webs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>history of the park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activities for secondary schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All topics mentioned above can be adapted to suit a secondary school visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For ranger-led school visits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Half day<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Full day<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u00a31 per pupil (Devon County Council (DCC) schools)<\/td><td>\u00a32.00 per pupil (DCC schools)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u00a31.50 per pupil (non DCC schools)<\/td><td>\u00a32.50 per pupil (non DCC schools)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1 adult per 8 pupils (required): Free<\/td><td>1 adult per 8 pupils (required): Free<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I book?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please call the Rangers Service on 01884 254072 or email <a href=\"mailto:gwcanal@devon.gov.uk\">gwcanal@devon.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ideal group size is between 15 \u2013 35 children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schools are responsible for the supervision and discipline of the children at all times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ratio of adults to children should be 1:8, and therefore it would be helpful if extra staff or parents could join the group<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A risk assessment is available for teachers and parents to read and, each activity will start with a brief talk about health and safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ranger leading the activities is a qualified first aider and will also be carrying a first aid kit, safety throw line and a mobile phone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We will provide all the necessary equipment including clipboards and worksheets. Each child should come equipped with waterproof clothing, stout shoes or wellingtons, sun hat and sun cream in summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/privacy\/privacy-notices\/privacy-notice-for-grand-western-canal-country-park-customers\/\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\">Privacy policy<\/a>&nbsp;for Grand Western Canal Country Park customers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>School visits The Grand Western Canal Country Park and local nature reserve is an excellent site for school visits. The Country Park provides a variety of educational opportunities for groups of all ages and abilities. Activities for primary schools Pond dipping Aim: Use nets to collect a range of freshwater species, use keys to identify [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":920,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-sidebar.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-167","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/920"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=167"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3920,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/167\/revisions\/3920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/grand-western-canal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}