Aldborough Primary is Norfolk’s first (and only the eighth school in the
country) to win Ocean Friendly status
North Norfolk is justly proud of its coastline and seas, and
now Aldborough Primary School near Aylsham has taken steps to protect
them. It has become only the eighth
school in the UK to gain Ocean Friendly status from the Marine Conservation
Society – and the first in Norfolk.
The
award is designed to help schools raise awareness of the impact humans are
having on oceans, and to teach children how to live in an ‘ocean-friendly’
way. The award asks children to
investigate topics such as pollution in the seas, overfishing and climate
change. The school children, their
parents and carers and staff have all worked together to understand more about
these topics over the past year.
The
award is designed to be managed by one class in the school. While Class 2 ran the scheme, children in other
classes joined in activities, with a focus on science learning, such as
habitats, classification and diversity and environmental change. There was also a family learning day, where
parents, grandparents and carers joined their children and school staff to study
the subject. Activities included
creating ocean-themed mobiles out of waste, such as plastic bottles, and
designing a poster to encourage people to clean up the sea. One parent said, “It was eye-opening to discover
what is happening in the oceans today.”
The
children also created an Ocean Manifesto for the school. This covers areas like swapping plastic for
more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable water bottles, ensuring marine
conservation is taught in the school, and running an annual Big Blue Day to
raise awareness. Older children from
Class 4 were invited to apply to become ocean ambassadors, tasked with ensuring
the school holds to the manifesto!
Rebecca Gale, the school’s science coordinator and SENCO
(special educational needs coordinator), led the work for the award. She says, “The children were really keen to
do something to save the environment.
Our ocean ambassadors in particular feel that the ocean is hugely
important to our planet and a wonderful place full of beauty and
diversity.
"I thoroughly enjoyed leading the school through
the award process, and am very grateful for the constant support from the
Marine Conservation Society. As a child, I dreamed of being a marine
biologist and swimming with sharks! I have always loved the oceans and
it’s a privilege to pass on and share my passion with our wonderful
children at Aldborough Primary School."
Jenny
Lumb of the Marine Conservation Society provided support for the school and
came to present the award in July. “It
was great working with a school who braved beach visits in winter!” she
says. “It’s a super achievement to be
the first school in Norfolk to achieve the Ocean Friendly Schools award, and
just one of eight schools nationally. We hope that many more will follow their
lead.
“I
loved seeing their work and being part of the celebratory assembly. I’m sure
their ocean ambassadors will go on to organise some amazing activities for the
children and families next year!”
For
more information about the Marine Conservation Society and the Ocean Friendly
Schools award scheme, visit www.mcsuk.org
Aldborough Primary School is in
North Norfolk, between Aylsham and Cromer.
Visit www.aldborough.norfolk.sch.uk
for more information.
Press contacts:
In term time: Mrs D Knight, The office, Aldborough
Primary School
01263
761264 /office@aldborough.norfolk.sch.uk
Alternatively: Tim Morgan, 07947 280137 or
timmorgan4@me.com