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