Giving our audience a voice Stephanie Pace, ZSL London Zoo

Why? Valuable and relevant Schools will book Represents our work Who we involve Teachers Local councils ZSL Staff Co-Creation at ZSL

A multiple-visit package for schools “What are the cognitive, emotional and social benefits?” 6 schools Low attendance areas 4 interactions Research project

Step 1 - Finding school to work with: Co-operation with local councils School Improvement Officers o Advise on selection criteria o Distribute information to schools o Support selection process SCHOOL SELECTION CRITERIA 1.Year 4 2.> 35% free school meals 3.Capacity to improve in science 4.Nominated motivated individual 5.Senior management to state support SCHOOL SELECTION CRITERIA 1.Year 4 2.> 35% free school meals 3.Capacity to improve in science 4.Nominated motivated individual 5.Senior management to state support Theme: Classification & Identification

Step 2 – Teacher co-creation: Planning Workshops FOR TEACHERS: Understand the programme Understand the research Zoo as a learning environment FOR TEACHERS: Understand the programme Understand the research Zoo as a learning environment FOR RESEARCH TEAM Meet teachers Understand project priorities Explain evaluation Consent forms FOR RESEARCH TEAM Meet teachers Understand project priorities Explain evaluation Consent forms x2 full day workshops Create a plan for all sessions Intended learning outcomes Key scientific vocabulary Set dates for all visits Supply cover paid for £150 per day FOR ZSL: Meet teachers Understand needs of each class Understand teacher priorities Find compromise FOR ZSL: Meet teachers Understand needs of each class Understand teacher priorities Find compromise

The final programme Zoo Visit 1 Vertebrates Outreach: Local green space Zoo Visit 2: Invertebrates Zoo Visit 3: Meet a scientist Teachers gave feedback at every stage Preparation materials In-zoo support documents

Contributing factors Animals & artefacts Consistent staff member Structured, multi-stage approach Teacher feedback & communication Visit to green space Meeting and connecting with staff What worked well

Lessons learnt

The many voices of co-creation TEACHERS Know their students’ needs STUDENTS Know what they enjoy! COUNCIL Know what local schools need RESEARCHERS Know how best to make everyone’s voice heard ZSL Know how our site can best be used

Stephanie Pace Discovery & Learning Officer Thank you!