/ Isle of Wight Trip Activities / Jurassic Secrets Uncovered
The Etches Collection – Museum of Jurassic Marine Life offers an extraordinary window into a prehistoric world 157 million years ago. Located in the beautiful village of Kimmeridge, this modern, award-winning facility houses the lifetime work of Steve Etches, featuring fossils of international scientific importance. For school groups on a residential stay, it provides a unique opportunity to move beyond standard dinosaur studies and dive into the life cycles of the "monsters" that ruled the deep Jurassic oceans.
The museum is designed to captivate youngsters through a blend of traditional fossil displays and cutting-edge technology. The stunning CGI aquarium ceiling brings ancient marine reptiles to life above the pupils' heads, providing a powerful visual stimulus for Literature & Creative Writing tasks. By observing the meticulous detail of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and the world’s most complete pliosaur skull, students gain a tangible understanding of Animals, Habitats & Biodiversity and the science of evolution.
Learning at the sanctuary is interactive and research-led. Students can visit the working laboratory to see how specimens are extracted from Kimmeridge clay, bridging the gap between a field find and a museum display. Workshops focusing on Fossils, Rocks & Soils allow youngsters to handle real specimens, fostering a deep appreciation for the geological heritage of the Jurassic Coast. These sessions are expertly delivered to ensure that complex scientific concepts are accessible, engaging, and directly relevant to the National Curriculum.
Practicalities for visiting schools are expertly handled, with a dedicated education room providing a secure base for students to gather and learn. The museum's location near the famous Kimmeridge Bay also allows teachers to link an indoor visit with outdoor coastal exploration, creating a comprehensive day of discovery. This combination of scientific rigour and high-tech wonder ensures that a visit to The Etches Collection is a standout educational highlight of any residential trip to the area.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to The Etches Collection, posed by teachers and other group leaders
Qualified first aid assistance is available on-site. Teachers are expected to remain the primary responsible party for their pupils and should carry their own group first aid kits at all times.
In an emergency, teachers must lead their pupils to the designated assembly points as instructed by museum staff, following the established evacuation routes from the main gallery and workshop areas.
A designated educational room is provided for school groups to store their belongings and enjoy their lunches, ensuring that pupils have a secure and private base during their visit.
