Learning
The goal for the learning work at St Catherine's is to demonstrate how the choices and actions of individuals, groups and organisations affect the environment, landscape and culture of an area; as well as our own lives and the lives of other people. Activities are centred around the beautiful St Catherine's site and the new Footprint building and are underpinned by a commitment to discovery, instigating environmental literacy and having a great and memorable day out.
Currently, the formal education offer comprises:
- Discovery Programmes for primary age groups: half or full day sessions at the Footprint and on-site
- Guided visits for a range of age groups: a tour of the Footprint and presentation/discussion about its construction and the issues involved
- Downloadable resources for students and teachers about the Footprint construction and the lessons learnt
Our education work can support the delivery of:
- The National Curriculum: the Discovery Programmes are linked to the KS1 and KS2 curriculum, particularly science, geography, citizenship, and design and technology and help develop the critical thinking skills and knowledge needed for development to be sustainable
- The Learning outside the Classroom Manifesto: it is being constantly proven that hands-on discovery and the experience of being in rather than learning about the environment develops an emotional connection to the countryside and the outdoors, promotes self-esteem and self-awareness and gives rise to positive associations with education
- The Sustainable Development Commissions' Every Child's Future Matters agenda which highlights the close relationship between children's wellbeing and their environment, and the need for safe, healthy outdoor space and contact with the natural world for society as a whole to move towards a sustainable future
For further details of the programmes and resources on offer check out the links below.
We have also been working with local schools on a long term arts project based around the themes of sustainable buildings and construction materials. Photos from the Project are found in the gallery, as well as an inspiring and moving "sonic postcard", well worth a look.
