Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
Make sure students have plenty of water. Encourage them to refill bottles with tap water where possible. In their own country they might think tap water is toxic! Educate them.
Make sure you have the tickets you need to enter with your group
Wear the official group T-shirt or hoodie for easy identification
Charge your phone fully and bring a power bank
Review the risk assessment for the day’s route and activities
Remind students to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of light rain
Take group photos at key locations and share them with the programme WhatsApp group
▶️ Risk Assessment for this trip
▶️ More Information about this trip
▶️ Registers for this trip
▶️ Tickets for this trip
Leader Briefing
Introduction to give the group:
A short overview is enough. For example:
“The Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to hundreds of species, from giraffes and lions to penguins and lemurs. You’ll have time to explore the different areas at your own pace. Make sure you check the map, stay in small groups, and keep to the meeting point and time.”
Key points for leaders:
– Students explore independently in small groups; no fixed route.
– Remind them about expected behaviour around animals and other visitors.
– Point out key zones: giraffe walkway, big cats, penguins, tropical house, and the farmyard.
– Encourage them to take photos, read signs, and ask questions if interested.
– Confirm meeting point (by the entrance/exit) and exact return time.
– Keep an eye on weather/heat and prompt water breaks if needed.
00:00 Depart Ruskin College by private coach
00:45 Arrive at Cotswold Wildlife Park
00:50 Welcome & Introduction at Entrance
01:00 Stop 1 – Giraffe Walkway
01:15 Stop 2 – Penguin Enclosure
01:30 Stop 3 – Lion House
01:40 Stop 4 – Tropical House
01:50 Free time to explore, visit the gift shop, or snack
02:15 Meet at the coach park
02:20 Depart for Ruskin College
03:00 Arrive back at Ruskin College
Welcome to the Cotswold Wildlife Park! The park is set in beautiful countryside and is home to over 260 species from all over the world. You’ll see animals from Africa, Asia, South America, and the UK, in a variety of habitats from open plains to tropical houses.
Fun fact: The park was opened in 1972 and has grown to include large gardens, lakes, and walking trails as well as the animal enclosures.
Remember, students will explore in small groups, so it’s important to stick to the meeting point and times, and to respect the animals and other visitors.
Leader Tips:
Point out the map and main zones: giraffes, big cats, penguins, tropical house, and farmyard.
Encourage students to take notes, photos, and ask questions.
Remind leaders to keep an eye on the group and the weather.
Here we have the park’s penguins! These birds are excellent swimmers and can ‘fly’ through water using their flippers.
Fun fact: During feeding time, the keepers often explain their diet, behaviour, and conservation efforts—so it’s a great opportunity to watch and learn.
Encourage students to watch quietly, ask questions if allowed, and notice how the penguins interact with each other.
This area is home to animals and plants from hot, humid climates. You might see reptiles, exotic birds, and amphibians.
Fun fact: Many of these animals are active at specific times, so patience can reveal interesting behaviours—like camouflaged frogs or brightly coloured birds!”
Leader Tip: Remind students to walk slowly and quietly, as some species are sensitive to noise or sudden movements.
Timing:
– Free exploration: 1.5–2 hours
– Regroup at meeting point for headcount
– Walk as a group back to the coach for departure