Schools invited to celebrate Jemima Puddle-Duck

The Lake District’s World of Beatrix Potter Attraction near Lake Windermere is preparing to make Jemima Puddle-Duck top of the class for schools in 2008. To mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, the award-winning attraction is introducing exciting new three-dimensional displays to bring her story to life.

Schools will get the chance to meet Jemima in her woodland glade and learn all about her adventures with the ‘foxy whiskered gentlemen’, who tricks her into his lair to steal her eggs and eat Jemima for Tea!

An educational visit includes Core and Foundation National Curriculum subjects linked to Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2; from literacy and numeracy to science and geography, plus a range of multi-media opportunities.

Newly developed lesson plans and worksheets designed for children aged three to 11 years can be downloaded from the website Wobpgroups.com/schoolvisits and include puzzles and story-writing activities. Touch screen interactive story books and ways to learn about animals and plants in the local environment are also included as part of the visit.

Jemima will take centre stage at the attraction for the year-long celebration, joined by Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Squirrel Nutkin and friends.

Stacey McShane, Groups & Events Manager, for The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, said:

“Jemima is by far the most popular character at the attraction, after Peter Rabbit, so we want to make sure that schools get the opportunity to help celebrate her 100th birthday this year.

“To mark the occasion, we’re treating Jemima and her dedicated exhibit to a makeover. Schools will be able to see the transformation for themselves and come nose to beak with Jemima during their visit.”

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck is one of Beatrix Potter’s most popular children’s books. The story is set in the heart of the Lake District, around the farmyard of Hill Top, the home Beatrix Potter bought in the village of Near Sawrey in 1905.

Schools can book a special appearance by ‘Beatrix Potter’ – a professional actress who takes on the role of the children’s author and introduces children to the author’s life and career as a writer, farmer and conservationist, as well as providing an insight into the creation of The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.

The Miss Potter Room allows visitors to follow in the author’s footsteps with the Virtual Walks and learn more about Beatrix Potter’s life and the creation of Peter Rabbit with a film presentation and “timeline”.

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction can be enjoyed by itself or as part of a range of group tours with other top Lakeland attractions, including Windermere Lake Cruises, Aquarium of the Lakes and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway.

In 2008, schools can combine their visit with a trip to the nearby Ducky’s Park Farm near Grange-over-Sands, where they will see the real farmyard animals Beatrix Potter loved to write about and draw. Groups can help feed the ducks and other animals, and learn how to care for them like Beatrix Potter herself.

Pre-booked school groups of 15 or more can benefit from special reduced group admission rates to the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction - £2.50 per child (full rate £3) and £5 per adult (full rate £6).

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is open daily; 10.00am to 5.30pm in summer (1st April - 30th September) and 10.00am to 4.30pm in winter (1st October - end March). Opening times vary during the Christmas and New Year period and in January and February, so visitors are advised to call in advance to check.

To pre-book a school visit to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction or a special combined attractions visit in 2008 log on to Wobpgroups.com/schoolvisits.