Purbeck will really introduce the ‘wow’ factor into primary teaching. Do you want to explore the gruesome reality behind castle living, investigate who eats who in the heathland ‘jungle’ or challenge your students to push their boundaries on a high ropes course? The possibilities are endless, providing an amazing array of topics, subjects and cross curriculum opportunities, Purbeck has it all!

Purbeck’s wide range of habitats across a small area encourages an incredible biodiversity and has led to the region being described as the ‘rainforest’ of the UK. Purbeck is also blessed with world famous geology creating stunning rocky coasts of high cliffs, steep valleys and clean sandy beaches (this part of the coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Looking into the rock pools allows children a glimpse of the hidden riches of the seas which support dolphins, whales and large colonies of sea birds.

Purbeck provides the perfect opportunity for many science and geography based topics. Habitat comparison, feeding relationships, coastal processes and environmental issues can be brought to life and concepts that are difficult to put into context can be seen or demonstrated first hand.

The area also boasts a rich history from ancient settlements, medieval castles, Victorian towns and WW2 defences. Students can step into the shoes of pirates and smugglers, become a soldier in the English Civil War or experience Victorian Swanage through the eyes of the rich and poor.

Purbeck has a long history of quarrying and fishing which shaped the settlements of the area. Today it is the millions of tourists, introduced by the Victorians, that influence development making Purbeck an ideal place to study changes in villages and towns. Groups also study the impact all these visitors have on the environment.

Many artists and authors have chosen Purbeck as their inspiration and the breathtaking surroundings of Purbeck are perfect for stimulating your students’ more creative sides. Explore the works of Enid Blyton, in the area she called home or create an environmental masterpiece in the style of Andy Goldsworthy.

Examples of outdoor adventure activities in Purbeck are listed in this guide and a school visit will help develop team skills, confidence building and above all is great fun. Students can also get their hands dirty and experience practical habitat conservation, learning the importance of human influence on the environment.

The residential and day visit centres listed in this guide work to the highest standards to support schools achieve their objectives for their visit to Purbeck.