About

Other EDF Energy Schools' Initiatives

Voluntary initiatives

Education business partners

We work with Education Business Partners in London, the South West, the North East and the South East involving our employees in various volunteering activities such as mock interviews, work preparation days, mentoring and reading programmes.

These programmes are intended to help young people raise their levels of achievement and at the same time increase their own personal development, making this an ideal opportunity to make a positive outcome for all. In the North East we run a Business Ambassador programme with over 50 employees taking part.

We have recently been recognised with and award by Devon Education Business Partnership for outstanding and innovative contribution to work related and enterprise learning.

Young Enterprise

Employees across EDF Energy are given the opportunity to work with young people through Young Enterprise on a range of programmes based on the principle of ‘learning by doing'. EDF Energy volunteers go into the classroom and work with teachers and students using games, hands on activities and role play to develop skills and capabilities for business and enterprise; other programmes include enabling students to work together to run their own company.

These creative programmes help to engage, motivate and prepare young people for their future and potential employment with EDF Energy.

Vocational awareness programmes

Working with local colleges and secondary schools, employees are given the opportunity to take part in mentoring and support schemes that help young people, who may be vulnerable or disabled, learn more about the world of work and how businesses operate.

Back to top

West Burton

Cottam power station

Cottam power station is owned and managed by EDF Energy. Located near Retford, Nottinghamshire, within the Trent valley, the site is sensitively managed to enhance and protect the large variety of plant and animal species that inhabit the reserve.

EDF Energy, in partnership with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Groundwork, offers an education programme focusing on high-quality environmental and science activities for schools and community groups of all ages, free of charge.

Visiting Cottam power station

Visits can range from a couple of hours to a full day, and the sessions can be tailored to ensure that schools get the most out of their visit.

  • A group of 30 visitors can be accommodated in the easily accessible classroom, and most parts of the reserve are accessible to wheelchairs.
  • The sensory garden with its variety of plants also includes safe dipping ponds, bird feeding stations and picnic tables.
  • Suitable clothing must be worn taking into consideration the weather and the activities you'll be doing – Wellingtons and waterproofs are recommended.
  • All-day visitors are asked to bring a packed lunch.
  • Please ensure a minimum ratio of one adult to every eight pupils.
  • You are welcome to visit us prior to booking.

Early years

If you are an early years group, you can choose from:

  • Themed sessions around The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other stories
  • Sensory activities: investigating sight, sound, smell and touch

Key Stage 1

If you are Key Stage 1, you can choose from:

  • Exploring ponds
  • Discovering mini beasts
  • Discovering plants
  • Nature trail
  • Sensory trail
  • Bird watching
  • Investigating forces
  • Investigating electricity
  • Investigating light and dark

Key Stage 2

Key stage two pupils can choose from:

  • Pond life close up
  • Exploring mini beasts
  • Food chains
  • Nature trail
  • Sensory trail
  • Climate change
  • Plants & trees
  • Adaptations Life cycles
  • Bird watching
  • Environmental art
  • Investigating electricity
  • Power station tours (subject to age)

Young adults

We can also tailor a day's activities to suit young adults. Choose from educational sessions around climate change and alternative energies, a complete power station tour or simply facilitate an art excursion.

For more information about planning a visit, contact Maddy Holroyd by email at maddy.holroyd@edfenergy.com or by telephone at 01427 882 100. Fax is 01427 882 093.

Back to top