At Clare we have a varied programme of educational activities,
including history, geography, art, science, technology and English.
All programmes have been developed to match the requirements of the
National Curriculum, and many involve the use of resources which
are available on site.
If you would like to visit the park and take advantage of any of
the programmes, please contact the Senior Ranger on 01787 277491 or
at
john.laws@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk
to ensure that all resources are made available for your group. You
can also book the teaching room at the park.
The Park Rangers may be available during your visit to assist
with programmes. If you require this service, please get in touch
with us.
To access each programme, click on the headings below. You may
print out each programme and bring them to the park with you.
You are advised to read the
Teachers' Notes (PDF, 24Kb) before you visit.
One activity includes sites around the town as well as within
the Country Park. It is therefore important that a sufficient
number of supervisors accompany pupils. You may even wish to break
into groups, so small groups undertake certain activities. The
programmes and activities are designed to be flexible in order to
fit into your requirements, but if you require assistance, have any
questions, or wish to discuss other needs, please do not hesitate
to contact the Senior Ranger.
There is no charge for the use of the resources or for visiting
the park. Toilets are provided within the park, and within the
teaching room.
Art in the Park (PDF, 128Kb)
This section includes ideas for making collages, using resources,
shapes and objects within the park. Also included is a 'heraldry'
programme encouraging pupils to develop their own Achievement of
Arms (or Coat of Arms). This step-by-step guide is easy for
teachers and pupils to follow, and encourages pupils to identify
with their backgrounds, hobbies and ways of life.
Character Trail (history and role-play) (PDF, 56Kb)
Take your class around the park by following the trail, learning
about its fascinating history. Pupils are encouraged to play the
parts of characters associated with the park, making this a fun and
exciting way of learning. Character cards are included.
Clare in History & Geography - Holiday and Seaside Trains -
Social change (PDF, 40Kb)
Looking at Britain since 1930,
this programme considers the social history of leisure and tourism,
while also considering geography. Using resources on site such as
old railway posters, postcards and maps, pupils are encouraged to
undertake historical enquiry to empathise with the time of their
grandparents.
Clare in Geography - Railway closure, land use, tourism and the
future (PDF, 36Kb)
What effect did railway closure have on
Clare? Was it a good idea? What does this mean for visitors to
Clare, and Clare residents? This programme looks at the reclamation
of the derelict railway land and conversion to a country park,
public transport provision in Clare and tourism. It also considers
whether re-opening the railway would be beneficial to Clare, with
pupils investigating the alternatives while considering
sustainability.
Clare in History - Clare and the railways in Victorian times (PDF,
36Kb)
Looking at the huge developments which were
undertaken in Victorian times, this programme introduces pupils to
life before the railways (when travel was impossible for most)
before showing how the coming of the railways changed life forever.
Using resources on site, pupils learn about how the lower classes
suddenly had leisure time and opportunities, how cheap trade
reduced poverty, and how the Victorians brought about a life which
we now take for granted. A rewarding programme showing the dramatic
effects of this important era.
Clare in History - World War Two (PDF, 36Kb)
What effect
did World War Two have on daily lives? How did ordinary people keep
up morale, particularly in Suffolk where enemy bombers were
frequently seen overhead on bombing raids? Evacuation was a real
possibility for Clare's children, and the railway was a target for
enemy bombers intent on disrupting supply lines (such as the line
through Clare). Pupils learn of the terror of railway workers, the
disruption to daily life, rationing and the uncertainty of it all.
Wartime recipes teach pupils how to stretch their rations and how
to make the best of a difficult situation.
Materials - Science and Technology (PDF, 24Kb)
A tour of
the park shows how different materials have been used over time for
different purposes. Pupils look at the construction of the castle
and the railway station, and show what materials were required to
move a train quickly and efficiently.
Medieval Role-Play (PDF, 36Kb)
A story set in Clare in the 1340s, based on the characters of the
park and town. Elizabeth de Burgh is holding a feast, and has
invited her friends from afar. Pupils see how she prepares and
shops, and how long her friends' journeys take. However, with the
threat of plague there is a scare, and the local friars help out.
Not just a drama programme, this activity allows pupils to get into
medieval life, and to compare life to today. Things we take for
granted today used to take a great deal of effort, and simple
things like water were not an option. A real eye-opener!
The Clare Quiz Book (PDF, 336Kb)
A non-challenging bit of fun. This activity is a suitable second
activity while visiting the park (particularly with the Character
Trail). Using a map, pupils guide themselves around the park
answering questions. They can learn about historical and natural
aspects of the park.
The Permanent Way and Forces - Science and Technology (PDF,
32Kb)
How are such heavy loads moved at such speed? How are trains guided
along the rails (permanent way)? Pupils learn about forces and
friction, and the design of a railway. An activity shows very
clearly how rail is far more efficient than road.
The Chronology Game (PDF, 32K)
An excellent activity in historical enquiry and chronology. There
are two versions of this activity, one within the park, and one
within the whole town of Clare. Pupils explore the area, answering
questions as they go (all answers are dates). These answers are
then placed on a timeline. Teachers are encouraged to set up a
timeline in their classroom, to which can be added dates throughout
the school year as they learn more. This encourages pupils to put
dates and events into context and
chronology.