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Academies

Bede's Academies offer professional tuition in a range of academic subjects, creative activities and sport & adventure pursuits and are designed to increase students' knowledge, skills, and technique. Academies are optional and take place in the afternoons, instead of regular sports and activities. They are designed to enable students to tailor their course to their needs and provide the opportunity for them to continue learning outside the classroom in small, supervised groups.

OBJECTIVES

Academies bring many benefits: some stimulate students' creativity, others expand their capacity for reflection, and others help students develop their critical thinking skills. Some Academies raise students' fitness levels and physical agility, while others help them improve their self-confidence by challenging them to step outside of their comfort zone. Every academy, whether it be a sport, creative activity, leisure pursuit, or academic subject, will help students develop their communication skills, confidence in speaking, and fluency.

Click on the tiles below or visit our Digital Academies Prospectus to find out more about our range of Academies. 

Digital Academies Prospectus 2027 

 

All Academies 2027

Academy

Communication Skills

Academy

Conversation Confidence

Academy

One to One Tuition

Academy

Psychology

Academy

Masterchef

Academy

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Academy

E-Kart Racing

Academy

Flying

Academy

Golf

Academy

Gymnastics

Academy

Horse Riding

Academy

Indoor Climbing

Academy

Padel

Academy

Swimming

Academy

Table Tennis

Academy

Tennis

Academy

Zookeeper Experience

Academy

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Complete Academies

Please click the link below for the complete academies prospectus 2027

Academies 2027

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Communication Skills

Bede’s Communication Skills Academy is designed to help students speak English with confidence in modern, academic, and social situations.  In this academy, students learn how to express their ideas clearly, listen actively, give short presentations, and work effectively in group activities.

Course Objectives

  • To express opinions clearly and politely in group discussions

  • To prepare and give short presentations to an audience with confidence

  • To agree and disagree respectfully during debates

  • To use body language and voice modulation effectively

  • To adapt language choices for both formal and informal situations

  • Work collaboratively in teams to solve problems and share ideas

Topics Covered

  • Giving Presentations: Structuring ideas, using visual aids, and speaking publicly.

  • Debates & Opinions: Sharing viewpoints respectfully on contemporary teen topics.

  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Communicating effectively in group projects and activities.

  • Culture & Society: Comparing international cultures and discussing personal experiences.

  • Future & Ambitions: Talking about hobbies, career ideas, and personal goals.

Summary

CENTRE Dicker

AGES 12 - 17

VENUE Classroom On-Site

HOURS 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

DATES Dicker- All Weeks

DAYS Tuesday and Friday

LEVELS B1

INSTRUCTION One teacher per maximum 14 students

FEE £195

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Conversation Confidence

Bede’s Conversation Confidence Academy is designed for students at an A1-A2 level who would like to improve their ability to participate in conversations. Students learn a combination of conversational features such as turn-taking, discourse markers and the language of politeness and put them into practice by having conversations on a number of topics or situations.

POSSIBLE TOPICS
• Weather
• Introductions
• Holidays
• Eating out
• Shopping
• Hobbies and Free Time
• The Family
• Telephoning

OBJECTIVES
• To learn how to open and close a conversation
• To learn turn-taking for co-operative conversation
• To agree and disagree respectfully
• To use discourse markers and linkers
• To know how to self-correct.

SUMMARY
Centres: Burgess Hill

Ages: 8-13 years

Venue: Classrooms on-site

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Burgess Hill - Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Days: Tuesday and Friday

English Level: A1 - A2

Instruction: One teacher per maximum 14 students

Fee: £195 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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One to One Tuition

Bede’s One to One Tuition focuses on making English language learning clear, engaging and approachable for students. The Academy is designed to deepen language fluency, build confidence in academic communication and support overall educational performance. One to One Tuition creates a supportive space where students feel comfortable practicing English, asking questions and enjoying the learning process.

POSSIBLE TOPICS 

  • Fluency and conversational confidence: mastering natural expression, clear pronunciation and effective everyday communication

  • Writing skills and structure: organising ideas clearly, using appropriate tone and expanding vocabulary

  • Reading comprehension and critical thinking: understanding complex texts, articles and written materials

  • Listening and speaking skills: active listening techniques and delivering clear presentations

OBJECTIVES 

• To introduce personalised language learning techniques tailored to each student's English proficiency level 

• To develop critical thinking and articulate expression in written and spoken English 

• To apply effective study and language strategies to schoolwork, exams and real-life situations 

• To encourage curiosity and cultural engagement through authentic English language materials

 • To improve students’ understanding of English grammar structures, vocabulary and academic phrasing 

• To foster effective academic and interpersonal communication skills

 • To build confidence in speaking and writing English without fear of making mistakes

 • To support academic success through engaging and accessible individualised lessons

 

SUMMARY 

CENTRES Brighton (13–20 years) 

VENUE Classrooms on-site 

HOURS 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions) 

DATES Brighton- All Weeks Days

MINIMUM ENGLISH MINIMUM ENGLISH LEVEL B1

FEE £195 per week 

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Psychology

Bede's Psychology Academy focuses on making psychology clear, engaging and approachable for teenagers. The Academy is designed to deepen the understanding of psychological theories and concepts, build confidence in applying them and support academic performance. Psychology Academy creates a space where students feel comfortable exploring ideas and enjoying the learning process. 

POSSIBLE TOPICS:

• The science of emotions: from Darwin to today's psychology
• Who am I? Exploring Jung's theory of personality and the masks we wear
• Peer pressure and social influence: lessons from Asch and Milgram's classic experiments
• Personality puzzle: The big five and what makes you unique
• The mind's hidden world: exploring Freud's theory of the unconscious

OBJECTIVES

• To introduce key concepts and theories in psychology
• To develop critical thinking skills related to psychological topics
• To apply psychological principles to real-life situations
• To encourage curiosity and open-mindedness about human behavior
• To improve students’ understanding of mental processes and emotions
• To foster effective communication of psychological ideas
• To build confidence in discussing and analyzing psychological studies
• To support academic success through engaging and accessible psychology lessons.

SUMMARY

Centres: Dicker

Ages: 12 - 17 years

Venue: Classrooms on-site

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Dicker- Weeks  2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Days: Tuesday, and Friday

Minimum English Level: B1

Instruction: One teacher per maximum 14 students

Fee: £195 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Masterchef

Bede’s Masterchef Academy is designed for students who have a passion for food and who enjoy
cooking. The classes are fun and informative, giving students the confidence to be hands on with raw produce and kitchen equipment. In each session, students create a dish inspired by a different international cuisine. Kitchen experience is not essential but would be helpful.

OBJECTIVES

• To learn both local and international recipes
• To encourage creativity and individuality
• To develop a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in cooking original meals
• To develop an understanding of basic culinary concepts
• To create new dishes by understanding how different flavours combine with one another
• To increase vocabulary specifically relating to cooking and dining.

SUMMARY

Centres: Dicker

Ages: 12 - 17 years

Venue: Food Technology classroom on-site

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Dicker - Weeks 2, 4
 

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One teacher per 10 students

Fee: £295 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Clay Pigeon Shooting

Bede’s Clay Pigeon Shooting Academy is for students who are keen to practise shooting activities. The academy will focus on improving handling of the rifle and technical details to improve accuracy.

OBJECTIVES

• To learn how to load, aim and shoot the shotgun
• To learn specific techniques on how to hit the target
• To enhance reflexes to use the short time window of hitting the target
• To develop a particular language used in shooting
• To improve hand-eye coordination when using the shotgun
• To increase self-confidence in your communication skills.

SUMMARY

Centres: Dicker

Ages: 12 - 17 years

Venue: External venue

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Dicker - Weeks 2, 3, 4

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One coach per 10 students

Fee: £325 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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E-Kart Racing

Bede’s E-Kart Racing Academy offers students the chance to experience the thrill of electric kart racing while learning the fundamentals of speed, control, and strategy. With expert instructors, students will develop their driving skills, improve their reflexes, and understand the mechanics of racing in a safe and controlled environment. Whether aiming for fun or pursuing competitive racing, this academy provides an exciting introduction to the world of motorsports.

OBJECTIVES

• To teach students the fundamental principles of e-kart racing, including driving techniques, vehicle handling, and race strategies
• To develop students’ reflexes and coordination through hands-on practice and simulated racing environments
• To promote safety and awareness by educating students on proper kart handling, safety gear, and race track rules
• To foster sportsmanship and teamwork by encouraging students to participate in team races and collaborate with fellow racers
• To introduce students to the mechanics and technology behind electric karts, helping them understand how e-karting works.

SUMMARY

Centres: Burgess Hill

Ages: 8 - 13 years

Venue: Team Sport Go Karting Brighton

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Burgess Hill - Weeks 3, 5
 

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One coach per 10 students

Fee: £325 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Student height and weight is required for this academy.

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Flying

Bede’s Flying Academy offers students an opportunity to pilot an aircraft. Students will have a trained pilot in attendance for the 45-minute flight ensuring that they are able to take control of the aircraft should they need to. The main goal of this academy is to help students gain a better understanding of how to pilot an aircraft and can help them with future flying lessons.

 

OBJECTIVES

• To learn the basics of flying
• To understand the correct use of checklists
• To master take-off procedures
• To develop knowledge of the use of the power and flaps
• To be taught the effects of the primary controls
• To maintain straight and level flight
• To execute the climb, descend and landing
• To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to flying.

SUMMARY

Centres: Dicker and Brighton

Ages: 12 - 20 years

Venue: Flying school based at airfields close to the schools

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Dicker - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Brighton - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One fully-qualified flying instructor per student

Fee: £950 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.


FURTHER INFORMATION
• Students must have perfect vision (glasses or contact lenses are acceptable) and be in good general health
• The student’s height and weight is required for the Flying Academy
• The student’s English level must be at least Pre-Intermediate (A2)
• A member of staff or another student will usually sit in the back of the plane for the duration of the flying lesson
• The plane has dual-controls, so the instructor can take control at any time
• There is no personal insurance cover for flying lessons
• Students will receive a logbook that officially records flying hours; this can go towards gaining a Pilot’s Licence.

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Golf

Bede’s Golf Academy offers students an opportunity to improve their golf skills. The Academy looks to provide lessons to improve technique and understanding of which shots are effective in certain scenarios.

OBJECTIVES

• To develop knowledge of the fundamentals of golf
• To enhance golf course knowledge and management
• To practise the mechanics of the golf swing
• To increase the long game and the short game
• To know the different golf formats
• To play some holes of the course
• To progress further around the golf course
• To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to golf.

SUMMARY

Centres: Dicker 

Ages: 12 - 17 years

Venue: Golf Club close to the Centre

Hours: 4½ hours per week (3x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Dicker - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
 

Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One coach per 10 students

Fee: £345 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Gymnastics

Bede’s Gymnastics Academy offers students the chance to develop strength, flexibility, body awareness, and coordination through gymnastics in a safe and controlled indoor environment. With coaches guiding them, students will learn gymnastics techniques, safety protocols, routine choreography, and apparatus control. Whether for fun, fitness, or competitive interest, this academy provides a supportive space for young gymnasts to grow and push their limits.

OBJECTIVES

  • To learn basic and main gymnastics skills, including good posture, balance, and floor work

  • To practice safety rules, body control, and correct landing techniques

  • To build strength, flexibility, and stamina through regular exercise and training

  • To improve focus and thinking skills by learning step-by-step routines

  • To work well with others in pairs and team displays

  • To grow confidence by setting and reaching personal targets

  • To learn key gymnastics vocabulary for movements, body positions, and routines

SUMMARY

CENTRE Eastbourne (6-11)

VENUE External Venue

HOURS 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

DATES Eastbourne 

Week 2, 3, 4, 5

DAYS Tuesday and Thursday

LEVEL Beginners, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced

INSTRUCTION One instructor per 10 students

FEE £295 per week


Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Horse Riding

Bede’s Horse Riding Academy offers students an opportunity to have lessons in Horse Riding and caters for all levels, from those with no experience to Advanced riders. With personalised lessons, professional trainers, and well-trained horses, the Academy looks to improve understanding of skill and correct riding etiquette.

OBJECTIVES
• To understand and achieve safe position and handling of a pony or horse
• To demonstrate control and give effective signals to the pony or horse when mounted
• To recognise the importance of balance in walk and trot
• To be able to mount, ride and walk in trot independently
• To practise the canter transition (if possible)
• To experience riding on different terrains
• To ride over poles and fences (if possible)
• To develop riding skills and build your confidence
• To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to horse riding.

SUMMARY

Centres:  Eastbourne, Burgess Hill & Dicker 

Ages: 6 - 17 years

Venue: At riding stables near the centre. There may also be the opportunity for students to go on a hack (horseback walk) close to the riding stables

Hours: 4½ hours per week (3x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: 
Eastbourne - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Burgess Hill - Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Dicker - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
 

Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: Students receive instruction in small groups

Fee: £345 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.


FURTHER INFORMATION
Students will be given additional tuition, extra to the three hours of riding, in Stable Management (horse care) at the riding stables. The Students height and weight is required for this academy.

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Indoor Climbing

Bede’s Indoor Climbing Academy offers students the chance to develop strength, agility, and problem-solving skills through rock climbing in a safe and controlled indoor environment. With expert instructors guiding them, students will learn climbing techniques, safety protocols, and how to conquer challenging routes. Whether for fun or competitive interest, this academy provides a supportive space for young climbers to grow and push their limits.

OBJECTIVES

• To teach students the basic techniques of rock climbing, including proper hand and foot placements, body positioning, and climbing strategies
• To promote safety and awareness by educating students on climbing gear, safety protocols, and proper belaying techniques
• To develop students’ physical strength, flexibility, and endurance through regular climbing sessions and strength-building exercises
• To enhance problem-solving and mental focus by encouraging students to tackle various climbing routes and challenges that require concentration and strategy
• To foster teamwork and trust by offering opportunities for students to engage in partner-based climbing activities and support one another
• To build confidence and resilience by providing a supportive environment where students can set and achieve personal climbing goals
• To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to climbing.

SUMMARY

Centres: Eastbourne, Burgess Hill and Dicker

Ages: 6 - 17 years

Venue: External venue

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Eastbourne - Weeks 2, 4

Burgess Hill- Weeks 2, 3

Dicker - Weeks 3, 5

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One instructor per 10 students

Fee: £275 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Padel

Bede’s Padel Academy is the perfect place to master the fastest-growing racket sport, which is often described as a hybrid of tennis and squash. Students will gain a deep understanding of this dynamic game, played in an enclosed court where the walls are used strategically, and develop essential technical skills and strategic thinking, and cultivate a lasting passion for padel. 

OBJECTIVES

• To master the fundamental padel techniques, including the serve, volley, and all forms of wall-play 
• To understand and effectively apply competitive doubles strategy and optimal court positioning 
• To improve quickness, agility, and dynamic court coverage specific to the padel environment
• To develop a consistent underarm serve, making it a reliable tactical tool to gain an advantage 
• To learn to expertly utilise the glass walls for both defensive returns and attacking shot creation 
• To foster effective teamwork, clear communication, and strong sportsmanship with a doubles partner 
• To increase overall match fitness and build the necessary endurance for sustained, high-intensity rallies 
• To gain a deep tactical knowledge of game flow, opponent weaknesses, and situational play 
• To cultivate a lifelong passion for padel through engaging, challenging, and rewarding practice sessions.

SUMMARY

Centres: Dicker

Ages: 12 - 17 years

Venue: Padel centre in Eastbourne

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Dicker - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: Students receive instruction in small groups

Fee: £295 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Swimming

Bede's Swimming Academy runs in the Bede's Prep indoor pool and offers students the perfect start to their aquatic journey. Students will quickly build confidence in the water, develop essential stroke techniques, and cultivate a lifelong love for swimming in a safe, fun, and controlled environment.  

OBJECTIVES

• To build unshakeable water confidence and comfort, starting with safe entry, exit, and basic pool movement 
• To understand and consistently follow all pool rules and essential water safety practices 
• To develop effective independent breathing techniques, including rhythmic breathing and safe submersion 
• To master fundamental aquatic skills, such as floating on the front and back, kicking, and gliding 
• To learn the correct foundational body position and coordination for the front crawl (freestyle) stroke 
• To execute a basic, unassisted backstroke over a short distance with proper body alignment
• To foster a fun, encouraging, and supportive atmosphere for all students to enjoy the water 
• To increase the ability to move through the water effectively for sustained periods, building stamina 
• To gain early exposure to the basic movements of the breaststroke and effective arm-pull action 
• To cultivate a lifelong, positive association with swimming as a healthy and enjoyable activity.

SUMMARY

Centres: Eastbourne

Ages: 6 - 11 years

Venue: Bede's Prep indoor swimming pool

Hours: 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Eastbourne - Weeks 1, 3, 5

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary and Intermediate

Instruction: Students receive instruction in small groups

Fee: £295 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Table Tennis

Bede's Table Tennis Academy offers students the opportunity to develop precision, reflex speed, agility, and tactical awareness through table tennis in a safe and controlled indoor environment. With expert coaches guiding them, students will learn core techniques, service variations, spin control, and matchplay strategies. Whether playing for fun, fitness, or competitive ambition, this academy provides a supportive and dynamic space for young players to elevate their game and push their performance limits.

OBJECTIVES

  • To teach students core and advanced table tennis techniques, including forehand and backhand drives, service execution, footwork, and spin mechanics.

  • To promote safety, awareness, and equipment care by educating students on court setup, safety protocols, and proper body movement.

  • To develop students’ physical conditioning, lateral mobility, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular endurance through structured warm-ups and active drills.

  • To enhance problem-solving and mental focus by encouraging students to read spin, adapt match tactics under pressure, and master dynamic rally sequences.

  • To foster sportsmanship and trust by offering opportunities for students to engage in pair drills, team challenges, and friendly match play.

  • To build confidence and resilience by providing a supportive environment where students can set personal goals and participate in structured competitions such as King of the Court and round-robin tournaments.

  • To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to table tennis skills, match scoring, and gameplay strategies (e.g., forehand, backhand, let, double bounce, best of three).

SUMMARY

CENTRE Dicker (12–17 years)

VENUE On-site Sports Hall

HOURS 3 hours per week (2x 1½ hour sessions)

DATES Dicker - 

Week 2, 3, 4

DAYS Tuesday and Thursday

LEVEL Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and  Advanced

INSTRUCTION Students receive instruction in small groups

FEE £295 per week



Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Tennis

Bede’s Tennis Academy offers students the opportunity to improve their tennis technique with and without the racket. There will be sessions that will specifically look at offensive and defensive actions as well as how to position and improve tennis ability.

OBJECTIVES

• To establish ball sense skills and apply them to tennis
• To use first and second serves effectively
• To learn about court positions and where to stand when competing
• To become more tactically aware and effective in playing the game of tennis
• To develop match play techniques, skills and fitness
• To practice specific techniques to enhance consistency
• To improve students’ standard of game play
• To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to tennis.

SUMMARY

Centres:  Eastbourne, Burgess Hill & Dicker

Ages: 6 - 17 years

Venue: Outdoor hard tennis courts on-site

Hours: 4½ hours per week (3x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: 
Eastbourne - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 
Burgess Hill- Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Dicker - Weeks 5, 6
 

Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One coach per 10 students

Fee: £295 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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Zookeeper Experience

Bede’s Zookeeper Experience Academy offers students an opportunity to become a zookeeper for a week. Students will help to care for the animals and learn about their natural habitats and behaviour.

OBJECTIVES

• To stimulate curiosity for the natural world
• To increase students’ sense of responsibility towards animals and other living beings
• To learn about animal biology, typical animal behaviour traits and conservation
• To master the fundamentals of exotic animal management and aquarium management
• To acquire hands-on experience handling and looking after animals
• To develop awareness of animal welfare issues
• To exercise students’ own judgement to assess and control risk relating to animals
• To broaden vocabulary relating specifically to animals and animal management.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Here are some of the animals which are cared for at Bede’s: Binturongs, Polecats, Rabbits, Kinkajous, African birds, Squirrel Monkeys, Lemurs, Dormice, Chipmunks, Owls.

SUMMARY

Centres: Eastbourne

Ages: 6 - 11 years

Venue: Bede's Zoo in Dicker 

Hours: 3 hours per week (3x 1½ hour sessions)

Dates: Eastbourne - Weeks 5, 6

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

Levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced

Instruction: One teacher per 10 students

Fee: £295 per week

Minimum number of students is required for the Academy to run. If an Academy is cancelled, a refund will be given.

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