The Westgate Parks Outdoor
Learning Programme
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Benjamin Franklin
The Westgate Parks
The Westgate Parks are located to the North-West of Canterbury, with the landmark Westgate
Towers forming the entrance to the Parks. The Westgate Parks are made up of 4 distinct areas which
are interconnected physically and historically. These include: The Westgate Gardens, Tannery Field,
Toddler’s Cove and Bingley Island Local Nature Reserve. The Great River Stour runs through the
centre of the Parks linking the urban and rural landscape. The landscape is both rich in heritage and
wildlife and provides the perfect setting for outdoor learning for all ages.
The Importance of Outdoor Learning
The first-hand experience of learning outside the classroom can help to make
subjects more vivid and interesting for pupils and enhance their understanding. It
can also contribute significantly to pupils ’personal, social and emotional
development,’
(Ofsted 2008 Report: Learning outside the classroom, ‘How far should You Go?)’
Our Programmes
There are specific programmes for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stages (KS) 1, 2
and 3 and bespoke programmes can be designed on request. We also welcome groups carrying out
Fieldwork for GCSE, ‘A’ Level and undergraduate/postgraduate project work. The national curriculum
links for each programme can be provided on request.
The programmes listed below are based on a half-day session (1.5 – 2 hours) and can be combined
with another programme to make a full day. Why not combine one of our history programmes with a
visit to the Canterbury Roman Museum? Your class can find out all about Roman Canterbury, see
the Roman Silver Hoard and pictures of the Iron Age Settlement and then visit the spot where they
were discovered! The Westgate Parks Development Officer will meet you from the Museum and walk
you to the park for a picnic or vice versa.
River Great Stour Study – KS2 and KS3 features of the rivers that flow t
Follow the River Great Stour on a riverside walk from Kingsmead to the Westgate Gardens. Make
links to local history, investigate the geographical and historical river environment and carry out
experiments to measure speed of flow. This exciting programme investigates the causes and impacts
of localised flooding and pollution and discusses why an Iron Age/Roman settlement was located
where it was.
Water Cycle Challenge – KS2
Dance like a water molecule to discover more about evaporation, condensation and precipitation by
taking part in the Westgate Park’s Water Cycle Game! Take part in a series of experiments including
measuring the interception of rainwater through the tree canopy and different soil types. This session
provides the perfect accompaniment to the Great Stour Study.
Westgate Parks through the Ages – KS2 (Available from June 2015 – book now!)
The Westgate Parks Officer is currently working with Marion Green; Education Officer at Canterbury
Archaeological Trust to create a programme which brings the Late Iron Age and Roman History of
the Parks to life! An archaeological dig took place in the Park in August 2014 and unearthed the old
Roman Road, Watling Street, vast quantities of Roman tile and pottery and over 28 Roman Coins!
A Roman Coin
found in the Park
Reconstruction of the Late Iron Age settlement
Canterbury Museums
Geo-Caching – KS2 and KS3
Discover more about the history of the Westgate Parks by using Global Positioning System (GPS)
handsets to navigate your way to hidden treasures (caches). Solve the clues hidden in the caches
and be the first group back to claim your prize. GPS challenges can be adapted to fit themes of study
on request. They have currently been designed to meet KS2 History objectives; the Iron Age and the
Roman Empire and its impact on Britain and KS3 Geographical objectives. The geo-caching session
provides an ideal accompaniment to the ‘Westgate Parks through the Ages’ programme.
Habitats and Food Chains – KS1 and KS2
Become a nature detective for the day! Discover the hidden life of the Great River Stour by dipping
for creatures and identifying them through a game of bingo. KS2 groups will learn how some of the
clever creatures are adapted to live in their watery world by becoming water boatman, mosquito
larvae and dragonfly nymphs! The use of field study keys will also be explained as a means of
identification.
OR
Take park in a Minibeast hunt, explore the Local Nature Reserve, Bingley’s Island, investigate the
grassland and woodland habitats, and play bugs bingo to identify what has been found. KS2 groups
can also perform a minibeast mime and discover how some of the clever creepy crawlies are adapted
to their life on land.
Food chains can be created to explore feeding relationships and energy flows in wetland and
woodland environments. The ‘Westgate Parks Wildlife Restaurant’ activity provides a fun way of
exploring food chains whilst also linking to literacy.
The Oriental Plane Tree
Canterbury Tree Tales – KS1 and KS2
Be taken back in time by listening to the tales of the 205 year old magnificent oriental plane tree. The
children will be encouraged to generate their own questions about the tree and use these questions
to from the basis of a short story. For example: When was it planted? Who has climbed it’s
branches? Did the tree really swallow a bench? Groups will use natural materials as the stimuls for
storytelling. There will also be opportunities for KS2 to create poetry by using numbers in nature and
prepositions.
The Mermaid Sculptures ‘Alluvia’
Art in the Park – KS1 and KS2
Bespoke ‘art’ days can be designed by request and could include: making natural pencils, jewellery
and picture frames, making 3-D artwork including willow weaving and clay tree faces and looking at
the work of environmental artists for example Andy Goldsworthy or the renowned work of local artist
Thomas Sidney Cooper. A half – day session in the Park can be combined with a visit to the Thomas
Sidney Cooper display at the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. See www.thebeaney.co.uk for
further details.
Way-finding in the Westgate Parks! – KS2
Master the eight points of a compass, simple symbols and grid references on ordnance survey maps
by taking part in the Westgate Parks way-finding challenge. This session provides a practical
introduction to why we need maps and symbols, basic bearings and the importance of scale.
A Sense of Place – EYFS and KS1
Explore the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the Westgate Parks by taking part in hands on
sensory activities. Make smelly potions using herbs from our physic garden, listen to tree tales, sing
songs and play texture games using a range of natural materials. This activity provides a good
accompaniment to the Teddy Bears Picnic programme.
Teddy Bears Picnic – EYFS and KS1
If you visit the Westgate Parks today you’re sure of a big surprise, bring your teddies, listen to a story;
and learn what they need to survive. In this delightful session the children follow a teddy bear trail
and undertake a series of practical tasks including shelter building to learn what their teddy bears
require to survive. Where do the bears get their food and water from? How do they keep warm and
dry? The visiting class will receive an invitation from the Edward, the Westgate Parks bear inviting
them and their teddy bears to the Park.
Forest School Activities – Suitable for all ages
Our Forest School programmes are designed to meet the needs of groups and individuals and enrich
the national curriculum through outdoor exploration and hands on learning. Our Level 3 Forest
School Practitioner can work with you to design a bespoke programme of achievable tasks. The
programmes can be designed to develop social and emotional skills, linguistic skills, mathematical
and physical skills. Our Forest School Practitioner can work with up to 15 children at any one time.
Self-led trails can be provided to enable a class of 30 to participate.
The Westgate Parks ‘Parks for People Project’ is working in partnership with the Canterbury
Museums and Galleries. Why not combine your visit to the Parks with a half day programme at
Canterbury Roman Museum.
Canterbury Roman Museum
Museum visit with Roman objects hands-on session - Combine a self-guided visit with an
interpreter-led Roman objects hands-on session in the hands-on area. The one hour 20 minute visit
includes the following two elements.
Self-guided visit - Explore the museum with your class on an exciting self-guided (teacher-led) visit
to find out what life was like in Roman Canterbury. Investigate some amazing Roman artefacts and
stories, and discover the remains of an impressive Roman town house complete with mosaics and
under floor heating (40 minutes). £1 per child for Canterbury district schools, £2 per child for nonCanterbury district schools, Curriculum links: Key Stage 1 and 2 history, design & technology, art,
literacy and numeracy.
Roman objects hands-on session - Let you class take on the role of archaeologists, investigating and
handling real and replica artefacts from Roman Canterbury. The hands-on area accommodates up to
18 children, working in groups of two or three. Larger groups are divided in two, with half the class
exploring museum displays, and half handling artefacts, and then swapping round. (40 minutes per
interpreter-led session, maximum group size 18). £1 per child in addition to museum entry price,
Curriculum links: Key Stage 1 and 2 History, and Design & Technology
Prices
Educational visits to the Westgate Parks (not including visits to Canterbury Museums) are currently
FREE due to Heritage Lottery Funding so book early to secure your class a trip! The first 5 schools to
book will also receive a free assembly. Donations for our services will apply from September 2015.
Westgate Park Facilities
Parking for minibuses is available at Toddler’s Cove Car Park – please inform the Westgate Parks
Development Officer so she can ensure a space is reserved
If coming by coach please arrange a drop off/pick-up point with the Westgate Parks Development
Officer
Canterbury’s East and West Stations are under a mile from the Parks – why not travel sustainably!
Outdoor seating area for a class of 30
Fantastic NEW playground
Toilets
Disabled access
Space can be provided to store personal belongings for groups who have booked a session with the
Westgate Parks Development Officer.
Within close proximity to Canterbury City Centre and Canterbury Museums
The Westgate Parks Development Officer will meet local groups at their school and walk them to the
Park. They will also walk groups to/from the Parks to Canterbury Museums.
35 Hi-Visibility jackets can be provided for pupils 12 and under.
The Westgate Parks Development Officer 
Anna has worked for Kent County Council delivering and designing environmental education
programmes, continuous professional development and qualifications courses for over 7 years. As an
advanced Level Three Forest School Practitioner Anna has spent 4 years delivering Forest School
programmes and training. Anna is always happy to adapt existing programmes or design bespoke
sessions based on current themes of study.
“The detailed and thoughtful organisation of our visit was wonderful. Anna and her team of
volunteers were great leaders and facilitators. The children were focussed and engaged
throughout the day and demonstrated in their subsequent work at school that they had clearly
learnt a great deal about the wide variety of mini beasts living in the different environments
we explored. The children (and adults) all enjoyed themselves immensely and several children
were heard agreeing that "this was the best school day ever!"
– St. Nicholas at Wade Primary School
How to book
Please contact the Westgate Parks Development Officer to discuss your requirements and any
special access needs. We will send you a booking form to complete and return within a week and an
evaluation form to complete after your visit. We use all information to support us in developing and
enhancing our programmes. Standard risk assessments will be provided, however we do advise a
pre-visit to complete your own risk assessment. Risk assessments for bespoke sessions will be
emailed to the visiting teacher/group organiser.
If you would like to combine a visit to the Parks with a trip to the Canterbury Roman Museum please
inform the Westgate Parks Development Officer and she will organise this for you.
Contact: The Westgate Parks Development Officer, Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, Ashford
Highways, 4 Javelin Way, Henwood, Ashford, TN24 8DH.
Telephone: 07850715596
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westgateparks.co.uk
Health and Safety
Visiting staff safety procedures
Please give the Westgate Parks Development Officer a pupil register and list of accompanying adults upon
your arrival, highlighting any pupils with behavioural or medical issues.
As the leading staff member, you are responsible for the safety and behaviour of your group at all times.
We advise that you visit the Westgate Parks before your visit and complete a risk assessment for the day. You
can arrange a pre-meet with the Westgate Parks Development Officer.
Classes must be accompanied by a sufficient number of adults to children.
Taking into consideration the location of water bodies the following ratios of staff to children/young people are
recommended: 1:3 Nursery, 1:3 Reception, Years 1 – 6, 1:6. Secondary, including GCSE/A-Level 1:15.
Children/young people must be supervised at all times by their accompanying adults.
Each class should be accompanied by an adult with a good working knowledge of first aid and a well-stocked
first aid kit.
The Westgate Parks Development Officer will provide policies and procedures relating to outdoor learning on
request.
The Westgate Parks Development Officer reserves the right to cancel a session if she considers the group are
not dressed appropriately or the weather conditions are unsuitable.
All activities led by the Westgate Parks Development Officer are covered by Kent County Council’s insurance.
The Westgate Parks are owned and managed by Canterbury City Council and are covered by their public
liability insurance.
Accidents
The Westgate Parks Development Officer is a trained paediatric first aider and is equipped with the knowledge
and materials needed to deal with minor injuries. If further action is needed please contact a local hospital:
Full Accident and Emergency Care - William Harvey Hospital, Kennington Road, Town Centre, Ashford TN24
0LZ
Tel: 01233 633331
Emergency Care Department - Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG
Tel: 01227 766877
Water
Keep a safe distance (at least 1 metre) from the edge of all water bodies at all times. If someone falls into the
water use the Westgate Parks Development Officers’ throw rope to help them out of the water. DO NOT get
into the water yourself.