Hissing cockroaches, exotic reptiles and baby meerkats helped bring classroom learning to life as young pupils embarked on a wild day of discovery at Dartmoor Zoo.
Pupils from Class 1 at Lamerton Church of England Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, took part in an educational visit to the zoo where they enjoyed a range of hands-on activities and close-up animal encounters.
A highlight of the trip was a “Close Encounters” session led by zoo keeper Izzy, where children met a hissing cockroach and Mango, a blue-tongued skink.
During the session, pupils also explored different types of animal teeth and learned how their shapes relate to whether animals are carnivores, herbivores or omnivores.
Throughout the day, the children saw a range of animals including tarantulas, a cheetah, lynx, baby meerkats and zebras. The visit also included time at the zoo’s play facilities.
Staff at the school praised the pupils for their behaviour and enthusiasm during the trip.
The school also thanked Friends of Lamerton School for helping fund the visit.
Melody Sterry, headteacher at Lamerton Church of England Academy, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to bring their learning to life in a truly memorable way.
“The children were completely engaged throughout the day and showed great curiosity and enthusiasm, particularly during the ‘Close Encounters’ session.
“Experiences like this play such an important role in inspiring a love of learning and helping children make meaningful connections with the world around them.”
Tracey Cleverly, chief executive officer of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “We are committed to providing rich, real-world learning experiences for all our pupils, and this visit is a wonderful example of that in action.
“Opportunities to explore, ask questions and learn beyond the classroom help to build confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the curriculum.
“It is fantastic to see our children benefiting from such engaging and well-supported experiences.”
