Education Overview
Here at Our Animal World, education is at the heart of our company. As the company was founded by an ex-school teacher, education was what inspired the creation of Our Animal World in the first place. All sessions are run by a fully qualified teacher.
Curiosity Corner
Curiosity Corner is a chance for children to get a chance to work scientifically and explore aspects of animals they may never normally get a chance to. We have microscopes, magnifying glasses and magnifying bug boxes which allow children to see a variety of insects in resin a lot closer, feel and explore reptile shedding and feathers, find out about tarantulas and get a close look at a goliath bird eating tarantula's moult, explore the life cycle of sun beetles, dig for fossils and identify them, see the world the way a rat, fish or fly does and more!
Schools
Early Years - We offer relaxed Early Years sessions designed to spark curiosity and help young children learn about a variety of animals. Workshops include Minibeasts, Pets and their care, and a General Animal Meet & Greet, with a wide range of animals for children to see, learn about, and interact with in a calm, engaging way.
Primary - All of our sessions are designed to meet the school' s requirements and the National Curriculum. As a fully qualified and experienced teacher, Laura creates lesson plans for any area of the curriculum, including Literacy, Georgraphy and Science.
Secondary - Looking for something more in-depth? Laura can also cater her presentations for secondary curriculum-based topics such as evolution, classification and taxonomy, ecosystems and the environment.
Further Education
We often work alongside colleges and universities. This includes bespoke presentations on creating an animal business/careers to more general animal lectures and career fairs. We also do general static displays with a chance for students and staff alike to meet a variety of animals with a more relaxed/less structured approach to our sessions. We also take on students to complete work experience for anyone completing animal care qualifications.
SEND
We regularly work with children and adults with Special Educational Needs at various schools and events throughout the year, including visits to disabled residencies and care homes.
Each SEND group receives a workshop adapted to the groups needs with animals chosen accordingly.
Encouraging a love of reading & writing
Our Animal World has worked alongside Suffolk County Council and their ‘Get Suffolk Reading’ campaign, encouraging children to read and join the library.
We run a variety of literacy sessions which include promoting a love of both reading and writing with the aid of the animals. An experience hook can be created as a part of ‘Talk for writing’ by Pie Corbett or as an interesting take on non-fiction writing.
For more information on our school workshops click here or email us info@ouranimalworld.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we have a variety of animals to choose from which you are able to choose to attend. Please note that some are better suited to older children or are visual only. In these cases if you select them, we will confirm with you and if you would still like them then we can arrange this. If not, we will suggest other animals that might be better suited.
We’re based in IP13 and happily travel up to an hour from here. This means we can cover a wide range of locations across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex. If you’re not sure whether your area is included, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to confirm.
We can accommodate up to 30 children at a party, though we recommend around 15 for the best experience. Smaller groups mean less waiting around and more hands-on time with the animals, helping to keep everyone engaged and excited.
Our party package is a 2-hour experience at a venue of your choice. Parties must take place indoors, either in your home or at an indoor venue such as a hall.
Curiosity Corner is a table full of feathers, reptile sheds (ie. snakes and lizards), insects in resin, fossils and more to be explored in a hands on way with magnifying glasses and microscopes.
Yes we will ask if there are animals that you wish not to attend due to phobias etc and will ensure that animal does not come.