Learning at the Lock - an introduction

This is our flagship education programme for key stages one and two. This offers a full day of learning including an interactive history session, working real locks, visiting our historic narrow boat cabin and a science and nature voyage on our narrow boat the Pride of Batchworth. 

Around 1000 children take part every year in the programme .

We welcome school visits at any time of year and encourage schools to plan their day well in advance as in the summer term we are very busy. 

For more detailed information for teachers, click here

Rob Moore, recently retired head of history at St Martin's School, now has the reins as Education Programme Manager and can be contacted at education@rwt.org.uk.

Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2017

We're very proud of Learning at the Lock, so it was with huge pleasure that we had reason to celebrate in August 2017 when we were awarded the Queen's award for Voluntary Service. This recognises the contribution our volunteers make to all the Education work we do and is the equivalent of an MBE for our charity. 

Waterways Renaissance Awards 2007

We have also won the Education Category of the Waterways Renaissance Awards organised by The Waterways Trust (now part of Canal and River Trust) and the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) to recognise best practice in UK waterways improvements. 

Learning at the Lock was also "Highly Commended" in the Community category, the first time one candidate has been recognised in two categories. 

Teacher's quotes

"I am just emailing to say thank you for last Wednesday. The year 3 children of Two Waters and I quote, 'Had the best day ever'. The organisation of the day was brilliant. The children enjoyed all three activities and have not stopped talking about the experiences since. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time out of their day to provide the children with a fun filled and memorable day, you were all brilliant. I am sure you will see Two Waters again next year." (Elizabeth at Two Waters Primary School) 

"Excellent, well planned and resourced. The children do not stop talking about this day". (Orley Farm School)

"My class had an amazing time and I am gleaming with joy for it was a super successful trip".

"In my 25 years of teaching I have to say that this was the best. The content and the organisation was faultless ..... Beyond impressive that you have so many dedicated volunteers". (Beis Chinuch School)

"I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for having us. We all loved it and will definitely be back!! The children and adult helpers have been talking about the day ever since and the staff members state that it was the best trip they have ever been on (and they have been on ALOT). All of the sessions ran so smoothly thanks to you and your team. The activities were pitched perfectly and complemented our learning at school." (Cassiobury Infant School)

Children's quotes

"Thank you for the fabulous time at the wicked place Batchworth Lock"

"Thank you for having me, I had the best school trip ever".

"Thank you for treating us with the wonderful and exciting time at Batchworth Lock. I really enjoyed doing the washing".

"I liked it when we went on the Roger because I liked learning about how they cooked stuff. It makes me hungry".

"When we were opening the lock, on one side it was more water and on the other side it was less water and I want to come back again".

"The loks war orsm".

To find out more email education@rwt.org.uk