Floating Classroom visits Island Primary Schools for the first time in 10 years!
Bringing marine education to life, on board HWDT's floating classroom, Silurian.
This Monday, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s (HWDT) research yacht, Silurian, will set sail on an ambitious tour of Hebridean islands, making special visits to six local primary schools, visiting some for the first time in a decade.
Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery through Postcode Local Trust, approximately 50 pupils will take their learning out of the classroom over the week, getting a glimpse into the life of a marine mammal scientist. On board Silurian, they will take part in exciting and interactive sessions, designed to spark interest in the marine environment and inspire the decision-makers of the future.
“These schools are all surrounded by incredibly diverse waters, which are important for many iconic marine species. As a team, we are really excited to welcome the school pupils on board, introduce them to Silurian and hear first-hand about their encounters from around their island homes.”
The scheduled route, will see members of HWDT’s Engagement Team, sail from their base in Tobermory, over the water to Kilchoan Primary School, before looping around the Small Isles to visit Muck, Eigg and Rum’s island schools before finishing with schools on Coll and Tiree.
Silurian's scheduled route for the week. *Subject to last minute changes due to weather.
.Despite being close to the Trust’s headquarters, for many of these island communities this will be the first time since 2008 that the floating classroom has anchored off their shores. With HWDT’s floating classroom focusing on visiting communities in the Outer Hebrides, Skye, Islay and Ullapool, over the past three years, thanks to continued support from the Robertson Trust.
Whilst anchored off Eigg (Tuesday 15th) and Coll (Thursday 17th), the Trust are inviting people to come out and join them aboard Silurian. These free open boat events, offer the chance to explore HWDT’s specially equipped research vessel, meet the crew and learn more about this pioneering research programme, now in its 16th year. Tours of the boat will run informally and guests will be transported out to the boat by RIB.
For more information about Silurian and the Trust's Education Programme please click the links. Regular updates of the tour will be shared throughout the week on HWDT's social media pages.