School on the River

School on the River is a full-day workshop based at Teddington which covers Science, Geography and Environmental elements of the KS2 National Curriculum. A typical class of 30+ pupils spends half their day on the boat and the other half on the riverbank.

Small group activities on board involve:

• experiments with geological samples to learn how the Thames formed over time;
• observation and testing of the quality of the water which affects the health of the river and its wildlife.

Larger group activities on shore involve:

• learning about key features and settlements of the Thames, how locks and weirs are used for navigation, the effects of erosion;
• the environmental impact of river pollution and the things we can do to reduce it.
• comparing and contrasting the structures and implications of natural and man-made riverbanks
• mapping the features of the foreshore to identify the movement of the tides*

*This activity is not available during high tide. Schools interested in this activity should discuss availability with RTBP staff before completing a booking form.

National Curriculum links:

• making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers… (Working scientifically).
• compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their properties, including their hardness, solubility… (Properties and changes of materials).
• recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things (Living things and their habitats).
• describe and understand human geography, including: economic activity including trade links, and the distribution of natural resources including energy, food, minerals and water (Human and physical geography).

“It would take a month of learning in the classroom to achieve what the children have learnt in one day on School on the River.” (Primary school teacher)

“The activities really complement the learning we do in school such as ‘bodies of water’ in geography and ‘properties of materials’ in science.” (Primary school teacher)

Bookings

On payment, schools will be sent a free Education Pack to help prepare for the visit and extend pupils’ learning.

You can download our Risk Assessment for Teddington Lock, in pdf form here

Booking Enquiry