SCHOOL STORIES Howard Junior School in King’s Lynn, Norfolk is noted for its outstanding range of additional activities, after school clubs and educational visits. There is an ingrained culture of fundraising for worthy causes which easily led the school’s Head Teacher, Mr Gregory Hill, to take part in WWF-UK’s Wear it Wild. Mr Hill read about Wear it Wild on Twitter and thought “it was an original idea and provided a great opportunity for children to learn about caring for animals, protecting endangered species, as well as wider environmental issues.” Once the school registered, teachers and children used the time before the event to research and find out more about WWF and the work that they do. The whole school took part in a Wear it Wild day last June, with children and teachers wearing a range of leopard, monkey and lion costumes. Lessons were based around wildlife, with children learning about some of the animal species that are endangered and how WWF are supporting them. What’s more, allowing the children to dress up as animals really brought the lessons to life, ensuring the children were excited and engaged while learning.
“We had worked with WWF on previous schemes, and so we were delighted to get involved with making a Wear it Wild promotional video to encourage other schools to participate.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4pxn2q7_4c
WEAR IT WILD SCHOOL STORIES
As well as the promotional video, children designed fundraising posters, hosted a cake sale and raised more than £200.
“The day itself was outstanding, with a real community feel about it. In short, it was fun, dynamic and totally amazing.” Mr Hill also shared the school’s “fantastic day” on Twitter to show their wider community how excited and involved the pupils were. Following the fundraising day, Mr Hill was keen to sustain the event’s initial impact over the following months. “We have a giant display screen in our hall, and we used it in assemblies to find out more about WWF and where the funds we raised might be needed most.” “We also organised a visit from Martin Hill, a wellknown zookeeper, big cat expert and children’s author. He helped out with a range of animal themed activities throughout the day.” Ultimately, however, it was the children who have had the final say: “Wear it Wild worked well because the children could really understand the value of the organisation, and what WWF stand for. Raising funds for them gave them pride and aspiration.”
“We want to be involved again next year – the children loved it, and have already demanded that it is back on the calendar for 2016.”
WWF-UK, registered charity number 1081247 and registered in Scotland number SC039593. A company limited by guarantee number 4016725 © 1986 Panda symbol and ® “WWF” Registered Trademark of WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund). WWF-UK, The Living Planet Centre, Rufford House, Brewery Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4LL, t:+44 (0)1483 426333, wwf.org.uk
