Say hello to our new Education Officer

New Education Officer, Coral, getting
to grips with one of her new colleagues

Last year we had to say goodbye to our fantastic Education Officer, Amy. She was a real dynamo in our education programme and during her short time here made some outstanding (even award-winning) developments. She'll be sorely missed by everyone here as well as the many teachers with whom she'd built up an excellent relationship. But we're thrilled to announce that one of those very teachers has come to fill her impressive shoes.

So, in her own words, meet Coral Higham...

"A few months ago I was asked to take on the role of Education Officer at Dartmoor Zoo. As a Biologist this was a dream come true. Walking up the driveway with all these magnificent animals just yards away topped any school driveway! I have been visiting Dartmoor Zoo since I was a young girl and can see the magical learning environment it provides. 

I have been teaching in secondary schools in London and Devon for the past 4 years, teaching Biology from preschool to A-Level and A-Level Physics. During that time I have taken on responsibilities for Gifted and Talented, Enrichment and KS2-KS3 transfer. I'm really looking forward to taking the DZP education programme forward along with my very experienced and qualified team of professionals and volunteers in environmental sciences and animal management.

We have a lot planned, beginning with a teacher evening on the 17thJanuary. This free event will highlight our new range of workshops and launch our bespoke lessons which can be tailored to the needs of any school and any subject with the learning delivered here at the education centre or through outreach. 

We are also going to be launching our DZP Rangers programme designed to give children the opportunity to gain valuable experience in animal management, conservation and a host of other subjects in a fun and exciting environment. 

If that's not enough we'll also be building a brand new reptile house, expanding on our award-winning Enterprise Challenge and bringing STEM challenges to the Zoo for families and schools to take part in, to name but a few.

I am so excited about taking on this role. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any ideas you may have, big or small, that we could carry out at DZP for you. This is a truly inspirational place to teach and an exciting learning environment for all ages. I look forward to meeting you all.

For more information on our exciting range of educational activities for everyone, contact Coral and the team today.