After a successful pilot program earlier this year, RSPCA Victoria's virtual school holiday program will return in January to teach children about animals. Streamed live from the education barn at RSPCA Victoria, the program commences on Monday 11 January, running through to Friday 22 January, 2021.
The online program provides students with an engaging opportunity to learn from home providing a variety of educational experiences including the opportunity to meet an RSPCA Inspector and time to learn about the life of an RSPCA Victoria Veterinarian and plenty of at home activities to keep young animal lovers entertained this summer.
The program is designed for children between seven and 14 years of age and is jam-packed with exclusive content, including a live virtual excursion to meet the animals of the RSPCA Victoria barn and hear the stories about how they came to be part of the RSPCA Victoria team.
Participants will learn what makes horses unique and discover what farm animals have in common with household pets. A special segment on little animals with big personalities will reveal fun facts about rabbits and guinea pigs.
Running daily for one hour the blended learning model is an adaptation of RSPCA Victoria's regular school holiday program, which typically sees over 1,000 young animal lovers visit the Education Centre every year. The online format was created in response to COVID-19 restrictions, with students tuning in each day to learn about animals and distract themselves from Victoria's lockdown.
Belinda Marchbank, RSPCA Victoria's Education Officer, said that the program aims to educate students about good animal welfare through fun activities and videos and meeting some of the staff and education animals that make up the RSPCA Victoria family.
"The online school holidays program keeps our regular students connected with the animals at RSPCA Victoria, while at the same provides the opportunity for children living outside the city to participate.
"This is especially relevant to children who love animals but previously haven't had the opportunity to travel to our Education Centre in Burwood East," said Ms Marchbank.
Fast Facts:
· Running from 11 January to Friday 22 January 2021
· Sessions will run for approximately 1 hour per day and will start at 10.30am.
· Register for one week of daily sessions for $35 or both weeks for $60
· Includes a live virtual barn excursion to meet the animals
· Interviews with an RSPCA Victoria veterinarian and Inspector
· Opportunity to ask questions of experts and interact with other participants
· Worksheets and recipes
· Sign up for the program at rspcavic.org/schoolholidays
