Term 1 & 2 2008

The Centre is part of the Swanley and District Cluster. We are connected to the Kent Community Network and have a range of ICT equipment, including two interactive whiteboards and six wireless PCs. The Centre has TAG digital blue microscopes which enhance class visits and INSET through the videoing of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates; all of which can be discovered in the Centre's superb wildlife area. Live recording of a nest of Blue, Great Tits and Badgers on site is possible during the summer term. Other  programmes include local history ICT days when we find out more about past inhabitants of Horton Kirby with help from the National Archives and other agencies. Our Darenth Valley At War project, which we have launched in conjunction with Lullingstone Visitors Centre, has attracted a number of classes.

Another of the Centre's developments is the increase in the number of INSET courses led by quality tutors with appropriate experience of the curriculum. Most of these run while class visits are taking place.

Continual Professional Development

The Centre has continued the role, since September 2006, of managing the INSET administration, previously organised by Advisory Service Kent (ASK). This includes booking delegates on courses and invoicing.

There are a number of INSET courses planned for 2008. Most are also applicable for teaching assistants and other school staff and include Environmental Art, River Studies, Local Geography, Crafts with Materials, ESD and School Grounds Development. All encompass cross-curricular approaches to using the local environment.

The Digital Movie Creator course run last spring and Christmas Gifts Using ICT course held in November 2007 were a success. Other courses led by Diana Marsden, Swanley and District's HOS are planned for 2008

• Digital Blue Movie Creator
  Date: 31 January 2008
• Digital Blue Microscopes
  Date: 6 Febraury 2008

See Teachers Courses for more details.

Whatever the Weather!
Friday 9 November 2007
This was an Early Years course led by Jenny Middleton, Advisor for the London Borough of Bexley and a Learning for Landscapes accredited trainer. It focussed on how to develop outdoor play in all weathers, mainly for the Foundation and reception age range. The course was very hands-on as described by Jenny.

"Luckily, for November, the day dawned clear, frosty, windy...lots of weather! Course participants came from Kent, Medway and Bromley. Almost everyone managed to find the Environmental Centre, which is hidden away in a fold of beautiful countryside otherwise by-passed by motorways and main roads. Everyone was in suitable outdoor clothing, so we had fun outside exploring the resources. Delegates enjoyed a stimulating and inspiring day of LTL training about how to maximise on the learning opportunities offered by being Outdoors in All Weathers. They were given an opportunity to appraise their current provision and plan improvements for the future, as well as understand what the new Early Years Foundation Stage requirements are for provision of outdoor learning opportunities.

The course practitioners went away with renewed understanding of:

• The absolute value and importance for children of extending and enhancing their learning by being engaged in activities in the outdoors
• The importance of giving more open-ended resources to facilitate children’s learning
• Outdoor provision, including rain and ice
• How any difficulties in providing outdoor provision can be overcome, ie mats to absorb mud, improved clothing, storage etc.
• The fact that you don’t need lots of money to develop resources” 

Delegates comments included:

• A well organised and interesting course, delivered with passion and lots of real life experiences
• A good day. Really enjoyed it. I have picked up lots of good ideas to take back to school!
• There is no excuse NOT to use the garden
• Thank you! A great course.