Business Studies, Leisure and Tourism Programmes for GCSE, BTEC, AGCE and AS/A2, HE colleges and Universities
We will be pleased to take bookings for any of the topics listed, but are unable to design and deliver tailor-made sessions
September 2009 to July 2010
Chester Zoo is an educational charity that attracts over a million visitors a year. These topics have been developed so Chester Zoo can be used by students as a case study. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Human Resources at Chester Zoo
Through a presentation, discussion and group activity students will discover:
how Chester Zoo is organised and managed
how Chester Zoo recruits, trains and develops its staff
the key responsibilities, personal qualities, skills and qualifications of selected job roles
For further information, suggested activities and lesson plan CLICK HERE
Visitor Attractions
This session enables students to be introduced to Chester Zoo's:
appeal and popularity
ownership and funding
income and expenditure
location and access
catchment area
management and operation
design and technology
visitor profile
staffing
facilities
For further information, suggested activities and lesson plan CLICK HERE
Marketing
The session provides a brief introduction to Chester Zoo's mission and finances before addressing the following topics:
our place in the tourism market and experience offered
our marketing objectives and target audience
marketing budget, targets and evaluation
examples of advertising and PR material
SWOT analysis
For further information, suggested activities and lesson plan CLICK HERE
Customer Care
Through presentation and discussion students will discover:
why customer care is so important
how we meet our customers' needs
finances
visitor information
staff structure and training
complaints
For further information, suggested activities and lesson plan CLICK HERE
Please note that there is considerable overlap between the Visitor Attractions, Marketing and Customer Care presentations. Therefore, only one should be booked for the same group of students.
In order to get the most out of our sessions, we have found that it is not practical to mix GCSE/'A' Level groups as talks are tailored to particular specifications.
What some of our visitors said about our Business Studies, Leisure and Tourism Programmes:
'Both the presentation and the Zoo visit gave the students an insight of the business'
'Excellent basis on which to start their coursework'
'The level was exactly right for sixth form students who found it extremely useful'
'Will be used as research for their GCSE coursework'
'Perfect. The students enjoyed the presentation and paid attention and contributed throughout'
We welcome pupils with special needs. Please notify us of their requirements in advance, so that we can tailor our programmes to your pupils' needs. All teaching facilities and public areas of the Zoo are fully wheelchair accessible.
Teachers' Handbook: Customer Service in Leisure and Tourism
In conjunction with the PGCE Leisure and Tourism department from Liverpool John Moores University we have put together this teachers' resource for students of GCSE Leisure and Tourism, BTEC First Diploma Travel and Tourism and other similar level awards.
This handbook aims to provide a structured teaching and learning programme for teachers and perfectly complements our Business Studies, Leisure and Tourism Customer Care classroom sessions with activities geared to your Zoo visit and in the classroom afterwards.
To find out more about our classroom sessions, follow the link on the Education pages and phone our Discovery and Learning Division on 01244 650205/389444 to book.
To download the Teachers' Handbook click here.
Back in the classroom
For further ideas on how to ensure your students get the best educational rewards from your visit we suggest referring to the following articles:
Bowker, R. (2007). Children's perceptions and learning about tropical rainforests: an analysis of their drawings. Environmental Education Research, 13(1), 75-96
Engels, C. A., & Jacobson, S. K. (2007). Evaluating Long-Term Effects of the Golden Lion Tamarin Environmental Education Program in Brazil. Journal of Environmental Education, 38(3), 3-14
Tofield, S., Coll, R. K., Vyle, B., & Bolstad, R. (2003). Zoos as a Source of Free Choice Learning. Research in Science & Technological Education, 21(1), 67
Trainin, G., Wilson, K., Wickless, M., & Brooks, D. (2005). Extraordinary Animals and Expository Writing: Zoo in the Classroom. Journal of Science Education & Technology, 14(3), 299-304
Payment:
We can accept pre-payment* for educational visits by credit card or cheque. if you prefer, admission fees including teaching charges, if appropriate, may be paid by either cash, cheque, credit or debit card on the day. Alternatively, we can invoice* your school/college after your visit.
*Advance Payment: by using the pre-payment option, your group has the opportunity of being fast-tracked into the Zoo. If you choose to pre-pay you may pay by cheque or credit card and the tickets will be sent to you in advance of your visit. Please note that these tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
All schools/colleges are asked to pre-book 10 to 14 days prior to their visit. We recommend early booking for our Business Studies, Leisure and Tourism programmes sessions.
To book a Discovery Programme for Business Studies/Leisure and Tourism please see the Booking Your Trip Link
Booking Forms for both teaching and non-teaching visits are downloadable on the Booking Your Trip link (please see Menu on left)
Business Studies, Leisure and Tourism Programmes at Chester Zoo