Education staff and students at West Midland Safari Park are celebrating after receiving their best exam results yet.

Students studying Animal Care and Animal Management during 2020/21, exceeded the national pass rate with 97% graduating. A fantastic achievement, for what has been a very disrupted year of teaching, due to the pandemic.
 
Level 3 students, who have gained an Advanced Extended Technical Diploma in Animal Management, did especially well, with 97% of the first-year students passing and almost half gaining a distinction or higher. Whereas the second-year students excelled further, with all of them passing the course, resulting in every student gaining a place to continue their studies at university, if they choose to do so. Education Manager, Nicola Anslow, said:

“It is a testament to the hard work of the students and Safari Park teaching staff that have led to such fantastic results being achieved this year. We welcome the significant increase in students gaining top grades in their courses, enabling them to have the confidence to progress in their chosen animal career.
 
“It hasn’t been the easiest year, with staff working remotely, lessons moving online and extra practical’s being undertaken to make up for lost time. I must commend the perseverance of all the students, which has seen them achieve the best results we’ve ever had.

"A special mention must be made to our final year students, heading off to university or into employment. We wish them all the very best and know they will excel in their chosen fields. We now look forward to welcoming our next academic year of students, with high hopes.”
 
Further to the success with the Level 3 students, Level 1 Animal Care students achieved a 95% pass rate, alongside a 96% pass rate for the Level 2 students, with 50% gaining a distinction or distinction*, something that is only awarded to the top students across the UK.
 
Students at West Midland Safari Park follow the Animal Care and Animal Management courses through City & Guild’s exam board. They consist of completing theoretical and practical exams throughout the year, which during this time, have had to be modified under covid regulations. The exams are then marked and moderated both externally and internally.
 
Students undertake their learning in the Park’s state-of-the-art Safari Academy, which opened in May 2017. It has now seen numerous students pass through its doors and offers three accredited courses, run in conjunction with Kidderminster College. 
 
The Park’s Education team have an excellent relationship with Kidderminster College, who they have worked with for four years. For those interested in studying an animal related course at West Midland Safari Park, Kidderminster College is hosting two open days on 11 October and 9 November. West Midland Safari Park will subsequently be hosting their open days on 16 and 23 November. Aspiring students are required to attend an open day at both settings if possible.
 
For more information, students can visit the Park’s website safariacademy.co.uk. Alternatively, they can contact the Safari Park’s Education Team by email to animal.care@wmsp.co.uk.