Whipsnade Zoo Career Skills Programme | Sandy Secondary School

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ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Partnership

Sandy Secondary School partnered with Georgia Furlong from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to deliver a six-week career skills programme for Year 9 and 10 students identified as at risk of disengagement from education.

The programme ran across two cohorts — April to May and October to November 2025 — with students attending on-site at the zoo for one day per week. Each session focused on a different area of work within the zoo, from animal care and conservation to graphics, horticulture and visitor services.

Students took part in hands-on activities including cleaning enclosures, preparing animal enrichment, assisting in the gift shop, and building natural fencing. Throughout each session, zoo professionals discussed their own career journeys, qualifications and routes into their roles.

The programme aimed to build confidence, improve teamwork and communication skills, and broaden students’ understanding of the wide range of careers available — all through practical, immersive experiences outside the traditional classroom.

7 Gatsby Benchmarks

Benchmarks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 supported throughout

Years 9 & 10

Students at risk of disengagement from education

6-Week Programme

Two cohorts across April–May and October–November 2025

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Delivered on-site with zoo professionals from multiple teams

Programme Outcomes & Impact

Attendance Transformed

School attendance increased from 93.1% to 97.8% during the programme. 8 out of 12 students attended all six sessions, demonstrating genuine commitment and engagement.

Behaviour & Engagement

9 out of 12 students showed significant improvements in behaviour, attendance and engagement in school. All students engaged positively with programme activities throughout.

Broader Career Horizons

Students identified a wider range of career pathways by the final session. Practical activities including animal care, horticulture and conservation were highlighted as the most successful elements.

Impact & Reflections

The programme had a significant positive impact on student engagement, confidence and attitudes towards education and careers. School attendance increased from 93.1% to 97.8% during the programme, with 8 out of 12 students attending all six sessions.

9 out of 12 students made significant improvements in behaviour, attendance and engagement in school. Students were able to identify a broader range of careers by the final session, with practical activities such as cleaning and feeding the animals highlighted as the most successful elements of the course.

As one of the careers advisors reflected: “What a fantastic experience this was. The students may have started out subdued and quiet but by the end of the programme the change in their confidence was amazing! One of the students is always quiet at school but by the end of the six weeks was having full blown conversations about the animals and the task at hand.”

This case study was produced for the South Midlands Careers Hub in 2025, documenting the impact of the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo career skills programme at Sandy Secondary School.

On the last session we had to lead the tiger talk, which I was petrified about. After doing it I was proud of myself and peers as I’m probably not the only one with confidence issues.

Dottie Sandy Secondary School Student

We are thankful and grateful for such a fantastic opportunity at Whipsnade Zoo. Whipsnade is a great place for improving confidence and getting out of your shell.

Elliott Sandy Secondary School Student

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Discover more about our careers programme, employer partnerships and how we prepare students for the world of work.

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Whipsnade Zoo Career Skills Programme South Midlands Careers Hub — Sandy Secondary School ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Partnership Sandy Secondary School partnered with Georgia Furlong from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to deliver a six-week career skills programme for Year 9 and 10 students identified as at risk of disengagement from education. The programme ran across two cohorts — April to May and October to November 2025 — with students attending on-site at the zoo for one day per week. Each session focused on a different area of work within the zoo, from animal care and conservation to graphics, horticulture and visitor services. Students took part in hands-on activities including cleaning enclosures, preparing animal enrichment, assisting in the gift shop, and building natural fencing. Throughout each session, zoo professionals discussed their own career journeys, qualifications and routes into their roles. The programme aimed to build confidence, improve teamwork and communication skills, and broaden students’ understanding of the wide range of careers available — all through practical, immersive experiences outside the traditional classroom. Programme Outcomes & Impact Impact & Reflections The programme had a significant positive impact on student engagement, confidence and attitudes towards education and careers. School attendance increased from 93.1% to 97.8% during the programme, with 8 out of 12 students attending all six sessions. 9 out of 12 students made significant improvements in behaviour, attendance and engagement in school. Students were able to identify a broader range of careers by the final session, with practical activities such as cleaning and feeding the animals highlighted as the most successful elements of the course. As one of the careers advisors reflected: “What a fantastic experience this was. The students may have started out subdued and quiet but by the end of the programme the change in their confidence was amazing! One of the students is always quiet at school but by the end of the six weeks was having full blown conversations about the animals and the task at hand.” This case study was produced for the South Midlands Careers Hub in 2025, documenting the impact of the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo career skills programme at Sandy Secondary School.