Zoology & Animal Management14-17 years

Situated at Bede’s Senior School, Dicker, the Zoo is home to about 70 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and invertebrates. Catering for their individual enrichment needs can be quite a challenge as each animal has different requirements, as a snake isn’t going to need the same enrichment as a Squirrel Monkey. As a school, we are enormously lucky to have such a facility in our portfolio. In animal management, students look after a range of zoo animals, and help with the dormouse breeding programme to increase numbers in the wild.

View Bede's Zoo Guidebook

Students learn about animal welfare and ethics, animal health and disease, animal behaviour, practical animal husbandry and work experience in the land-based sector.

We feel that a connection with animals is enriching, calming and fulfilling. Feeding meal worms to a gecko, trying to exercise a kinkajou, or listening to the calls of our primates – brings something to the lives of the young people who are privileged to be able to enjoy these opportunities.

Students look at wildlife conservation, both in captivity and in the wild, the ethics of keeping animals in captivity, how to health check their pets, and perhaps most enjoyably – take part in animal handling and feeding sessions, e.g. they are able to spend time feeding the white faced owl, cleaning out the Royal Pythons’ vivarium, or rearranging the branching in the home of the Siberian Chipmunks. 

Under the guidance of Bede's experienced animal management team, students will engage in practical animal husbandry and handling across Bede's diverse range of species. In addition, the afternoon programme will include engaging short courses designed to give students a taste of specialist animal careers. They will learn the ancient art of falconry, understanding the care, training, and handling of these magnificent birds. They will explore the responsibilities of farm animal management, from livestock welfare to sustainable farming practices. The afternoon sessions are led by industry professionals, providing unique insights and a deeper understanding of these fascinating fields beyond the textbook.

After lessons, students participate in a range of sports and recreational activities. This provides the opportunity to carry on learning outside the classroom in small, supervised groups at the same time as having some fun. Sometimes, students will be able to choose their preferred sport or activity.

Aims

1. Enhance students' fluency in English.

2. Awaken students' curiosity by explore new sports, activities and games.

3. Enhance students' skills and technique in sports.

4. Encourage participation and self-confidence.

5. Teach students new vocabulary related to sports, games and popular leisure activities.

Examples

Aerobics, Badminton, Basketball, Bootcamp, Card Games, Chess, Circuit Training, Cricket, Dance, Dodgeball, Drama, Fashion Design, Football, Model-Making, Netball, Painting, Rounders, Rugby, Set Design, Singing, Squash, Stoolball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Yoga, Zumba.

A full programme of organised and supervised social events is offered every evening to encourage students to make new friends and develop their social skills. By actively encouraging the mixing of nationalities, we are helping to create a harmonious international community in which students can live, study in a safe and comfortable environment and enjoy themselves.

Aims

1. Promote students' relaxation and enjoyment.

2. Explore some typically English social events, games and activities.

3. Nurture social skills in an environment of different cultural traditions.

4. Use English in natural real-life speaking situations.

5. Forge new friendships.

Examples
Bede’s Got Talent, Disco, House Competitions, Fashion Show, Formal Dinner & Dance, Karaoke, Messy Games, Music Quiz, Musical Workshop, Pool Party, Soft Ball Sports, Tennis, Tournaments.

Excursions are a mandatory part of the programme. We offer students the opportunity to visit places of cultural and historical interest, as well as the chance for sightseeing, shopping and amusement. There is one mid-week excursion that is half-day and two full-day excursions at the weekend. 

Wednesdays

Wednesday trips are a full-day visit to a local zoo, where students will have the opportunity to look beyond their own campus and take part in talks and get a unique behind the scenes access on visits. This could be a visit to Drusillas Park or Port Lympne Safari Park. 

Saturdays

Saturday excursions are a full day trip and include a cultural, touristic or recreational visit to London or another place of interest such as British Museum, Buckingham Palace, London Dungeon, London Eye, London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Thorpe Park, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey.

Sundays

Sunday excursions are often more relaxing trips to a local seaside town, such as Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Hastings or Worthing, where students can stroll along the beach, have lunch in the park or do some shopping. Sometimes students will partake in off-site activities.

Our Academies Programme offers expert instruction to students looking to develop their skills, technique and confidence in certain sports and leisure activities.

Academies Available

Academic

• Public Speaking
• Essay Writing

Creative

• Masterchef
• Pottery & Ceramics

Sport & Adventure 

• Clay Pigeon Shooting 
• Golf
• Horse Riding
• Indoor Climbing 
• Padel
• Sailing
• Tennis

Further Information

The Academies Programme is suitable for all abilities from beginner to advanced level.

Instruction is given by qualified Bede's staff or external sports' coaches.

Students can choose 1 Academy option per week.

Academies take place instead of the regular afternoon Sports & Activities.