Education

The rich environment and heritage of London's waterways are an important education resource. Over 200 primary schools are within five minutes walk of the waterways and there are approximately 1200 primary schools in the boroughs bordering the waterways in the London region.

The WOW (Wild over Waterways) initiative is working nationally to enthuse young people about the inland waterways. In London, the learning services officer is supporting WOW by working with schools through a variety of classroom activities and organised trips to the waterway both on foot and by boat. The main focus of school support is through the statutory history and science curricular although there is a wider objective of encouraging young people to enjoy and value their local waterway.

Projects include a chance to get on the water in canoes, kayaks or sailing dinghies or in narrowboats where children have a go at steering and operating the locks. Practical workshops include designing model boats or building bridges and tunnels. History visits include a Victorian themed trip along the Regent’s Canal or meeting Isambard Kingdom Brunel at Three Bridges on the Grand Union Canal in west London. A popular project involves a lesson with angling coaches and exploring the habitats and wildlife of the waterways.

Safety is our number one priority and all school projects include a session teaching children how to enjoy the water safely.