From the Moorland Discovery Centre - A new and exciting environmental classroom on the edge of Sheffield and the Peak District National Park:

• Fun and engaging programmes available for all key stages, covering History, Geography, Art, Science, English and much much more.

• Lifelong learning for all

All Key Stages

Moorland Introduction Talk: 1hour or 1/2 day. An interactive talk about the Peak District National Park and its rare and fragile moorlands. This can be delivered as part of your visit, in school or even as part of an independent visit.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Moorland Discovery Walks: 1/2 or full day. Discover the spectacular scenery of the Peak District on a 2-4 mile walk covering aspects of Geography and History, learning about plants and animals as well as having fun through art and games.
Inside - Risk Assessment
Outside - Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Pre School, Key Stage 1 and 2

Literacy and Art

Natural Crafts: Pre School and KS1, full or ½ day
Using a range of sensory and natural art activities pupils will discover the environment in a new and hands-on way. This wonderful day combines different short activities including sensory games, natural painting and making natural crowns. QCA - Mother nature, designer and Investigating Materials.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Boggarts of the Moor: KS1, full day
Boggarts are fun and mischievous creatures who will help introduce pupils to discovering homes and habitats and exploring the natural environment through environmental art. This magical and imaginative day helps support
QCA— Mother nature, designer, Plants and Animals in the local environment and PSHE Animals and Us.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Inspired by the Wild: KS2, full day
Enrich your curriculum by exploring the landscape through art and literacy. This day uses the Peak District landscape as a backdrop for creative discovery looking at art, myths, legends and poetry inspired by this iconic landscape. Pupils will create their own works of art, stories and poetry to take back to school QCA— Mother nature, designer, Journeys, A Sense of Place and Literacy.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Moor Seasonal Textiles: KS2, full day, September – February Only
Look at the environment through art and textiles, creating a colourful
collection of work which could form a great display. This is a wonderful activity discovering the colours and textures of the landscape during the autumn and winter months. QCA—Talking Textiles, A Sense of Place.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Science, Geography and History

Local History: KS2, full day
Investigate the links between Sheffield and the Peak District, finding clues in the landscape to tell the stories of the past.
QCA-What was it like to live here in the past?
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Birth of a River: KS2, full day
Spend the day discovering all about rivers from their source on the moors to their features and wildlife as they make their journey down to the valleys.
QCA—Investigating rivers.
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Lesson Plan

Rocks and Soils: KS2, full day
Explore the wonderful world of rocks and soils in a practical day which brings this subject to life. QCA— Rocks and Soils.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Habitats: moorlands, ponds and woodland: KS2, 1/2 day or full
Pick two habitats to link together to form an in-depth day on habitat
discovery. QCA—Habitats, life cycles, Interdependence and Adaptations.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Habitats: trees and fungi: KS 2, full day, October – December Only
Autumn is a wonderful time at the Longshaw Estate and is especially rich in colours and unusual fungi. Students will discover the woodland and moorland habitat in a new way through the fascinating and unusual world of fungi. They investigate different species and record their findings. Students will also produce a piece of art work to support their visit. QCA - Habitats, Life cycles, Interdependence and Adaptations.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Drama and Science

‘The Snow Hare’s Woolly Jumper’: KS2, October to February Only
This programme is run over 1 day and a school assembly. Students learn about the moorland environment and the animals it supports. The students then create moorland animal masks which will act as costumes. This programme works towards students learning a very simple play about the adaptation of different moorland animals. The play will then be performed in school during an assembly. This is a great winter indoor activity to support habitat work and enrich your curriculum. QCA—Interdependence and Adaptation, drama and literacy.
Risk Assessment
Play script

Secondary and Higher Education back

Moorland Perspective: GCSE and A Level, full day
Students will investigate the complex issues surrounding moorland management and recreation. They will take part in a role-play debate about how different recreation groups might work together to achieve a consensus.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Moorland Ecology and Management: GCSE and A-Level, full day
This programme considers the impact on the moorland ecology of both recreation and management practice. Students sample vegetation at popular recreational sites which have been managed by burning. Students will also be introduced to the international importance of moorland habitats and their conservation.
Risk Assessment
Lesson Plan

Also available at the Moorland Discovery Centre back

The John Muir Award: this is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places run by the John Muir Trust. It encourages groups to be more aware of nature and to take some responsibility for it—in a spirit of fun and adventure. The Moorland Discovery Centre can support and help groups to achieve this certificated award. For more information visit www.johnmuir.org.uk

‘Make the most of your National Park’ INSET training day at the Moorland Discovery Centre which can be booked for staff teams.

Sites Across the Peak District back

Educational visits can also be booked through the Moorland Discovery Centre for:

Mam Tor, Odin Mine and Winnats Pass – these sites are owned by the National Trust and provide a wonderful resource for learning about Rocks and Soils as well as History. There are mysterious stories to tell as you enjoy a great walk with dramatic views from these famous landmarks.

Moorland Talks and Discovery Walks can be booked for other locations across the Peak District Moorland areas. If your group is planning an independent visit to the moorland an introduction talk may be just the right way to start the day either on site or in school. Talks can also be booked for the Moorland Centre in Edale.
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