we have a variety of classroom sessions available for key stage 1 and 2
Marine mammal science fits into the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2 in a variety of different areas. These talks have been carefully put together based on the new UK curriculum, which is adapted for Manx schools.
As of 2023, MWDW sessions are available to all schools free of charge, thanks to generous funding from the Manx Lottery Trust and the Scheinberg family. Funding will be up for review in 2026.
As of 2023, MWDW sessions are available to all schools free of charge, thanks to generous funding from the Manx Lottery Trust and the Scheinberg family. Funding will be up for review in 2026.
Threats and Conservation Issues (years 3-6)
1hr-single class only-can be run as a stand-alone session but works best when followed on from another of the sessions outlined below.
Using props and a whiteboard, we brainstorm ways we can help keep the oceans clean and how every one of us can take small steps to make a difference. This session gets the pupils actively thinking about the world around them and the issues faced by marine animals, discussing ideas to create positive changes.
The children are filled with positivity and ideas to carry forward. The session can be followed up with a poster making session led by the teacher.
1hr-single class only-can be run as a stand-alone session but works best when followed on from another of the sessions outlined below.
Using props and a whiteboard, we brainstorm ways we can help keep the oceans clean and how every one of us can take small steps to make a difference. This session gets the pupils actively thinking about the world around them and the issues faced by marine animals, discussing ideas to create positive changes.
The children are filled with positivity and ideas to carry forward. The session can be followed up with a poster making session led by the teacher.
Marine wildlife of the Isle of Man (suitable for any age)
1hr – single class -entire year group– whole school assembly.
An engaging look at whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and basking sharks and how to tell the species apart. Spot the difference by looking at head shape, fin shape, skin patterns and colour. Discover how dolphins and whales communicate, hunt and socialise. Measure out the different species using a 30-metre long tape. Learn tips on how to go out spotting for yourselves and good places to look. Jen will bring Perkyn the porpoise for all sessions. Robbie the Risso's dolphin (3.5 metres long) can be brought along for Key Stage 2 session if space allows, and for school assemblies.
1hr – single class -entire year group– whole school assembly.
An engaging look at whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and basking sharks and how to tell the species apart. Spot the difference by looking at head shape, fin shape, skin patterns and colour. Discover how dolphins and whales communicate, hunt and socialise. Measure out the different species using a 30-metre long tape. Learn tips on how to go out spotting for yourselves and good places to look. Jen will bring Perkyn the porpoise for all sessions. Robbie the Risso's dolphin (3.5 metres long) can be brought along for Key Stage 2 session if space allows, and for school assemblies.
Marine predators – Not Just Sharks and Killer Whales! (years 3-6)
1 hr-single class- entire year group
An exciting look at marine predators of all shapes and sizes from around the globe, from octopuses to sea snakes, leopard seals to sailfish. We discuss how predators use mimicry, speed, agility and camouflage to fool their prey and prevent being predated on themselves.
Ideal if your class is learning about food chains and adaptations.
1 hr-single class- entire year group
An exciting look at marine predators of all shapes and sizes from around the globe, from octopuses to sea snakes, leopard seals to sailfish. We discuss how predators use mimicry, speed, agility and camouflage to fool their prey and prevent being predated on themselves.
Ideal if your class is learning about food chains and adaptations.
Frozen Planet – (Reception-year 3) 45 mins
Frozen Kingdoms (years 4-6) 1 hr
Single class- entire year group
Discover the marine wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica by comparing differences between the animals found at each pole and how they survive in such hostile environments.
Frozen planet is suitable for young children and is presented in a story book style. It can be adapted for Reception children through to lower KS2.
Frozen Kingdoms dives into detail about whales, dolphins, seals and birds that live in the polar regions and how they have evolved to live successfully within their habitat. This session covers geography, ocean depth/temperature, climate change and introduces pupils to species they may have otherwise not heard of.
Frozen Kingdoms (years 4-6) 1 hr
Single class- entire year group
Discover the marine wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica by comparing differences between the animals found at each pole and how they survive in such hostile environments.
Frozen planet is suitable for young children and is presented in a story book style. It can be adapted for Reception children through to lower KS2.
Frozen Kingdoms dives into detail about whales, dolphins, seals and birds that live in the polar regions and how they have evolved to live successfully within their habitat. This session covers geography, ocean depth/temperature, climate change and introduces pupils to species they may have otherwise not heard of.
Dolphin habitats and adaptations (years 5 and 6)
1hr-single class-entire year group
This exciting session looks at the variety dolphin species around the globe and how they have adapted to live in different habitats. We look at methods of predation, migration and communication from the polar regions through to the tropics.
This session focuses on food chains, adaptation and interdependence and is suitable for upper KS2.
1hr-single class-entire year group
This exciting session looks at the variety dolphin species around the globe and how they have adapted to live in different habitats. We look at methods of predation, migration and communication from the polar regions through to the tropics.
This session focuses on food chains, adaptation and interdependence and is suitable for upper KS2.
New Zealand (years 5 or 6)
1 hr. Single class-entire year group
How can two islands be so different? Discover the marine wildlife of New Zealand and the Isle of Man by comparing species found in each region and how they have adapted to live in completely different habitats. Discover some very endangered species that are endemic to New Zealand and learn about the geography and water depth surrounding the two regions. As well as whales and dolphins, we discover sea lions and marine birds including the largest of all, albatross.
1 hr. Single class-entire year group
How can two islands be so different? Discover the marine wildlife of New Zealand and the Isle of Man by comparing species found in each region and how they have adapted to live in completely different habitats. Discover some very endangered species that are endemic to New Zealand and learn about the geography and water depth surrounding the two regions. As well as whales and dolphins, we discover sea lions and marine birds including the largest of all, albatross.
bespoke sessions
We can occasionally create bespoke sessions upon request if we believe it will be transferrable to other schools and year groups. If you have a particular request for a session to fit into your topic, then please contact Jen to discuss.
