Jurassic Secrets Uncovered
Explore the prehistoric Jurassic seas at this world-class museum, where students discover unique fossils and marine reptiles through immersive CGI and hands-on scientific workshops.
Jurassic CGI Aquarium
Visitors are transported to a prehistoric sea as marine reptiles swim across a stunning CGI ceiling. This immersive experience brings Fossils, Rocks & Soils to life, sparking the imagination of youngsters as they witness ancient habitats.
A world-class Jurassic museum featuring marine fossils, CGI prehistoric seas, and hands-on laboratory workshops.Education Destination
The Etches Collection – Museum of Jurassic Marine Life offers an extraordinary window into a prehistoric world 157 million years ago. Located in the beautiful village of Kimmeridge, this modern, award-winning facility houses the lifetime work of Steve Etches, featuring fossils of international scientific importance. For school groups on a residential stay, it provides a unique opportunity to move beyond standard dinosaur studies and dive into the life cycles of the "monsters" that ruled the deep Jurassic oceans.
The museum is designed to captivate youngsters through a blend of traditional fossil displays and cutting-edge technology. The stunning CGI aquarium ceiling brings ancient marine reptiles to life above the pupils' heads, providing a powerful visual stimulus for Literature & Creative Writing tasks. By observing the meticulous detail of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and the world’s most complete pliosaur skull, students gain a tangible understanding of Animals, Habitats & Biodiversity and the science of evolution.
Learning at the sanctuary is interactive and research-led. Students can visit the working laboratory to see how specimens are extracted from Kimmeridge clay, bridging the gap between a field find and a museum display. Workshops focusing on Fossils, Rocks & Soils allow youngsters to handle real specimens, fostering a deep appreciation for the geological heritage of the Jurassic Coast. These sessions are expertly delivered to ensure that complex scientific concepts are accessible, engaging, and directly relevant to the National Curriculum.
Practicalities for visiting schools are expertly handled, with a dedicated education room providing a secure base for students to gather and learn. The museum's location near the famous Kimmeridge Bay also allows teachers to link an indoor visit with outdoor coastal exploration, creating a comprehensive day of discovery. This combination of scientific rigour and high-tech wonder ensures that a visit to The Etches Collection is a standout educational highlight of any residential trip to the area.
Expert Fossil Workshops
Tailored educational sessions allow pupils to handle real Jurassic specimens and learn the science of palaeontology. These workshops provide direct links to the curriculum, focusing on evolution, inheritance, and prehistoric life cycles.
The Working Laboratory
Pupils can observe the meticulous process of fossil extraction in a real-world laboratory setting. Seeing modern technology and tools used to reveal ancient marine monsters helps students understand the link between discovery and research.
World-Class Discoveries
The collection features fossils of international scientific importance, including the world's most complete pliosaur skull. Youngsters gain a unique perspective on Local History by exploring finds from the nearby Kimmeridge clay cliffs.
Inclusive Learning Space
The modern, accessible gallery ensures that all students, including those with SEND requirements, can participate fully. Tactile displays and sensory-friendly resources make prehistoric discovery an inclusive experience for every pupil.