School workshops at Hardwick and Wharton Park

Summer term 2024

Key Stage Two

Park Protectors

Did you know that five of the world's 10 key climate change preventing species live in Hardwick Park?! As climate change impacts the entire world, discover those species that are putting up a fight in this ongoing battle for the future of the planet. Both flora and fauna can have superpowers!  Join us in the fight against climate change and help find the key to protecting the environment.

Location: Hardwick Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

Eco-explorers

Eco systems are all around us. Explore the eco-systems and habitats within Hardwick Park. Observe the interaction between plants and animals and how they combine with weather and landscape to form a bubble of life. Discover, identify and classify mini beasts to learn about the vital role they play in the producer, consumer, decomposer cycle. Debate how some human actions are having an impact on eco-systems through climate change. Focus on Marvellous Meadows, Wild Woodlands or Precious Ponds. (Pond option only available at Hardwick Park)

Location: Hardwick and Wharton Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

Water warriors

In this workshop, pupils will explore the necessity for healthy and sustainable water systems while identifying different water features within Hardwick Park and learning about the nearby river Skerne. They will discover some of the problems facing our waterways from pollution and flooding to erosion and the effect this has on wildlife and their habitats. Practical hands on activities will encourage the children not only to think of the consequences of environmental issues but also to make informed suggestions about ways to manage environmental impact and conserve and protect the landscape around us by becoming the ultimate water warriors.

Location: Hardwick Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

There is no Planet B!

The climate change emergency is here and very real! Join us as we battle it out to explore key environmental issues that affect County Durham's countryside. It's time to think global but act local! Packed with practical hands-on activities that encourage discussion, teamwork and problem solving. Challenges will focus on the impact humans are having on our environment and how we can be part of the solution to allow nature to restore itself.  A half day will look at a sample of these issues whereas a full day workshop will explore a wider variety of issues. Let's be part of team 'Save Planet A'!

Location: Hardwick and Wharton Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

Team challenge day

A day in the park can offer so much. Surrounded by the natural world pupils can take part in a range of games and challenges to unlock the codes, make watertight dens, explore the principles of firelighting or develop their map skills through orienteering. Engaging the children with new, practical experiences to develop their problem solving, communication and teamwork skills will create a sense of achievement and excitement for learning.

This is a flexible package that can be adapted to the needs of your group.

Location: Hardwick Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

Map skills and orienteering

Exactly what it says on the tin! This workshop is an energetic introduction to orienteering. Pupils play games and take part in activities which build their mapping skills and introduce the core foundation of orienteering. They then go on our simple orienteering course to develop their map reading confidence.  A full day workshop then offers the opportunity for pupils  to build on their skills by creating their own maps and simple orienteering  courses.

Location:  Wharton Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

Key Stage One

A Roald Dahl adventure

In this imaginative and creative workshop children will explore the park with the help of some of Dahl's best known characters. Full of practical activities that encourage imagination, creativity, problem solving and team work. You can choose from a selection of his best known stories so that the session activities best meets the needs of your class.

Location:  Hardwick and Wharton Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

Minibeast explorers 

Pupils learn about some of the mini-beasts that make their homes in Hardwick Park. They will be introduced to the idea of habitats and eco-systems, take part in a woodland mini-beast hunt and try pond dipping activities. Full day participants will be given an opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience by learning about the important role that mini-beasts play in our eco-systems and how climate change is having an impact on this.

Location:  Hardwick Park

Half day: £112, full day: £190

Summer in bloom

Explore, look and wonder at the diversity of nature in full bloom at this time of year. From tiny seeds to brilliant bulbs such a variety of plants can grow. We will discover some of the flora we have here in the park and learn more about them. Then dig into the story of plants from their life cycle, what helps them grow and the special relationship between them and the minibeast world.

Location: Hardwick Park

Half day: £112

Michael Recycle

There once is a place in County Durham, where rubbish was left to grow rotten and slimy.... 

Help is needed and there is only one person we can count on.... Join us at Wharton Park and help a young superhero called Michael as he teaches people how to look after the environment around them!

Location:  Wharton Park

Half day: £112

Map it out!

From the whole universe to the details of one room we can map it out! Together we will navigate our way through directions, human and physical features, simple keys and creating maps. Look over Durham City and what is around us within Wharton Park to see a sense of scale and perspective. Discover the possibilities for curious minds as we explore the world of maps.

Location:  Wharton Park

Half day: £112

Early Years Foundation Stage

Bog Baby

Inspired by the story Bog Baby, the children will explore the park as they hunt for bog babies, they will participate in pond dipping, creating and construct using natural materials. Key themes that will come out during the practical elements will include looking after the world around us and letting go of the things we love.

Location: Hardwick Park

Half day: £112

Trouble with dragons

Imagine a world populated by beastly dragons who care nothing for how much they pollute the oceans, chop down the trees, gobble up all the food and use everything up without stopping to think. Using the delightful story by Debi Gliori as a starting point, children will go on a hunt for the terrible dragons, and explore the importance of looking after our environment, sustainability and climate change through challenges, games and creative activities.

Location: Wharton Park

Half day: £112

A pirate's life for me

Arghhhh me hearties! Collect your explorer's map and set sail on your pirate journey. Discover pirate facts and undertake challenges along the way. Become part of the captain's crew and test your skills in imagination, creative activities, numbers and patterns and physical challenges. Can you complete our swashbuckling pirate adventure?

Location: Hardwick Park

Half day: £112

Very Hungry Caterpillar

Children listen to the story before taking part in a themed outdoor trail that encourages the children to practise their counting skills. Discover and learn about the life cycle of a butterfly and how special these creatures  really are in our environment. Make and create some of nature's patterns with your own butterfly creation before exploring the park to see what other minibeast friends you can find.

Location:  Hardwick Park

Half day: £112

Superworm

Inspired by the story 'Superworm' this workshop provides an opportunity for children to engage with the natural world through a range of different learning experiences. First the children will wiggle and worm their way through a series of challenges set by Superworm himself. They will undertake a mini-beast hunt in the park learning how to identify some of the creatures from the story. Children will discover how special bees and worms and will make their own seed bomb to take home.

Location:  Wharton Park

Half day: £112