Aldborough Primary
School turns parents and children into scientists and raises cash for charity
A North Norfolk primary school put on a family learning afternoon with a
difference, and raised money for charity at the same time.
On Tuesday March 19 Aldborough Primary School, near Aylsham, welcomed
over 70 parents, carers, grandparents and younger siblings, who enjoyed
deep diving into a sea of marine conservation inspired activities, combined
with a ‘wear blue’ fundraising event supporting the Norfolk Big C charity.
Aldborough recently became the first Norfolk school to gain Ocean
Friendly status from the Marine Conservation Society – and only the eighth
school in the UK. As well as covering
marine topics in its curriculum, the school uses its status to run a variety of
activities – hence the family learning day.
As part of the award, the school
appointed Ocean Friendly Ambassadors and, with their enthusiastic help,
everyone at the learning day became scientists. Rebecca Gale, the school’s science coordinator
and SENCO (special educational needs coordinator), said, “Families examined
shells under microscopes, tested the pH levels of various liquids and sparked up
light circuits whilst learning about turtle nesting, and the impact of human
activity on habitats and marine ecosystems.”
Continuing the water theme,
everybody had the opportunity to make a Greek water clock and decorate it with
an ocean theme. Plus, with paper, chalks, and tissue, families created
beautiful seascapes and colourful underwater scenes for display in the
classrooms.
One parent commented, “We had a
lovely afternoon and really enjoyed the variety of fun and interesting
activities.”
Ocean Ambassador Lottie, who is in Year 6, said, “‘We learnt
about climate change and the effect that it has on the sea. The families
got very absorbed looking through microscopes to see the effect that ocean
acidification has on shells.’
Meanwhile Tilly, who is in Year 5
and is a Science Ambassador for the school, said, “It was interesting to make
the water clocks.... we learnt about carrying out experiments and how we needed
to learn from our mistakes and try again!”
Ms Gale added, “It was a fantastic afternoon, full of strong learning
and lots of fun. It’s so positive to see
families working and learning together, it gives the children a real
buzz.”
The event raised £126.92 for the Big C.
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.
The photo with this release shows Lottie, bending over,
and Tilly helping two younger children.
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