Pupils discuss the importance of protecting our oceans and waterways
Pupils in Plymouth and Torbay are learning from a new ocean curriculum
Primary school pupils in Devon have today been talking about the importance of the ocean, as part of this week's World Ocean Day events
When children go to a Connect Academy Trust school in Plymouth and Torbay they learn about the ocean in an award-winning Ocean Conservation curriculum, The schools have been recognised with 'Blue School status' after becoming the first in the UK to receive an award for their work on inspiring and educating children about the ocean.
All five of the primary schools in Plymouth belonging to Connect Academy Trust teach the new curriculum and the three Torbay schools are just starting to teach it. The Blue Schools Award recognises the schools’ efforts to ‘bring the ocean into the classroom’.
More than 3,300 children have opportunities to study the ocean from age four right through to 11, not just in the classroom, but at the aquarium, on the beach and on boat trips. As well as learning about the ocean in science, they study it in other subjects including English, art, geography and history in cross-curricular teaching units.
The Headteacher of each school received a special certificate, presented by Nicola Bridge of the Ocean Conservation Trust.
Stu Higgs told them: "You’re joining an international community of 205 schools around the world, about half of which are in the EU.
"It’s a growing network of educators who care deeply about the ocean and who are finding ways to pass on that care to our children.
"It’s a wonderful achievement and we’re very proud to have been a part of your journey with the new curriculum, and to be awarding you with these certificates as the UK hub for Blue Schools."
Mr Stuart Bellworthy, Chief Executive of Connect said: “We are delighted that, as well as giving children amazing learning opportunities, our Ocean Conservation Curriculum has resulted in our accreditation as European Blue Schools.
"It is fantastic to see our hard work being recognised as a first for the UK. I would like to thank all the research scientists at OCT, MBA and PML for their support in getting us to this point and for celebrating with us at our recent award ceremony."