Discovering Living Things at Schloss Hof: Year 3 & 4 Adventure in Austria
What a wonderful day our Year 3 and 4 students spent at the magnificent Schloss Hof estate in Austria! With the PYP central idea for Year 3—“Living things — their needs, interactions, and habitats”—this excursion became a vibrant, hands-on learning experience that brought classroom inquiry to life.
Bringing Learning to Life
Our journey began with curiosity and excitement. Schloss Hof, a Baroque palace surrounded by sprawling gardens and farmland, is home to around 200 animals of more than 20 species. The children explored the estate’s stables, paddocks, and pastures, observing how living things depend on their environments and on human care. They asked thoughtful questions about what animals need to survive, how they interact with one another, and how people can help protect them.
Meeting Rare and Remarkable Animals
The estate’s animal world is full of surprises. Students met the White Baroque Donkey, one of the rarest breeds in Europe and a perfect example of conservation in action. They admired Bactrian Camels, adapted for extreme conditions far from Austria, and learned how animals’ physical features help them thrive. The Lipizzaner and Noriker horses, four-horned goats, Hungarian Racka sheep, and friendly alpacas all showcased biodiversity, history, and the vital relationship between humans and animals.
At designated spots children could safely stroke and feed some of the gentler residents. This direct interaction allowed them to experience living things up close—feeling fur, hearing sounds, and observing behavior—transforming theory into understanding and empathy.
A Festive Surprise
As we explored, we were greeted by an unexpected treat: the entire estate was decorated in a cheerful Halloween theme. Pumpkins, cobwebs, and playful ghosts adorned the grounds, creating a magical atmosphere. Embracing the spirit of the season, we joined a special art workshop where students could choose to make a flying dragon, decorate a pumpkin, or create Halloween-themed artwork. Their creativity soared as they combined imagination with what they had learned about living creatures and habitats earlier in the day.
Sunshine, Play, and Reflection
After lunch, the sun peeked through the clouds, inviting us to enjoy Schloss Hof’s beautifully landscaped park and playgrounds. Surrounded by golden leaves and open fields, the children played, laughed, and continued to notice living things in nature—birds, trees, and insects—broadening their understanding of ecosystems and connections among all forms of life.
Connecting Back to the Classroom
This excursion perfectly embodied our Year 3 central idea. Students explored how living things have unique needs, how their habitats support them, and how humans play a role in their care and survival. They observed interactions between species, discussed the importance of conservation, and reflected on what it means to be responsible global citizens.
For teachers, it was a powerful reminder of how experiential learning deepens inquiry, nurtures compassion and how education and adventure can come together to inspire lifelong curiosity. For students, it was a day of discovery, creativity, and joy.
We captured countless beautiful moments—from curious faces meeting donkeys to colorful dragons taking flight in the workshop—and we’re excited to share the photos with our community.
It was a day of sunshine, smiles, and learning that truly brought our unit on Living Things to life.
