Aims and Objectives

Before arranging your visit it is important to decide on the main educational objectives. Think about what you want the children to learn and how it relates to the rest of the curriculum. Much of the National Curriculum can be delivered through a visit to the Canterbury Environment Centre as detailed in the previous chapter. The resources described in this booklet may help to suggest ideas. It is important to contact the Director at the Centre prior to your proposed visit, to discuss your requirements.

Study Themes

Canterbury is a particularly rich learning environment which illustrates not only the effect of historical forces, but also many of the problems facing contemporary society. Shops, housing, traffic and pollution, for example, can all be studied in the vicinity of the Centre. There are also many development sites which raise interesting questions about architecture and planning. However, it is important to be realistic about how much children can do in a day. If you plan too many activities the result can be self defeating. It is better to do one thing properly and come back on a second visit if necessary.

Equipment

The Centre has plenty of work space, tables and chairs. A slide projector, O.H.P., video recorder and T.V. are available for use during your visit. Clipboards and artwork materials are also available on request. Photocopying and fax facilities are available on request for a small charge.

Special Programmes

The Centre has extensive links with local professional and commercial organisations. It also monitors new planning developments on a regular basis. Architecture, planning and social issues are often best studied through live issues. Suitable contacts can be arranged on request.

Facilities

The Environment Centre is an ideal base for a day's study visit to Canterbury - within reach of all public transport near the Cathedral, museums and city centre. There is also a café, small shop area, toilets and packed lunch facilities.

Wet Weather

If the weather is bad, it is possible to undertake a planned visit by using slides, videos and materials from the Centre's collection without having to cancel your trip.

Opening Times

The Centre is open for school visits throughout the week. Bookings are especially encouraged in the summer term. The study base can be booked for either a whole day, or half a day (9:30 - 12:30 and 12:30-3:30) or on an hourly basis.

For charges please see booking form.