On Wednesday, 24 September, pupils from across seven of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust’s (HFCMAT) primary and secondary schools took over Chester Zoo to deliver a series of talks to members of the public about some of the most pressing issues facing the world today.
Wowing visitors to the zoo with their impressive subject knowledge taken from the schools’ curriculums, pupils held thought-provoking conversations with the public at different animal habitats that focused on topics such as illegal wildlife trade, sustainable palm oil and how to protect coral reefs.
Pupils from Our Lady of Pity RC Primary School, Greasby, took to the Monsoon Forest to discuss the importance of using sustainable palm oil in foods and cosmetics to protect wildlife and prevent habitat loss.
Elodie, aged 10, said: “I really enjoyed the zoo takeover day. We found lots of people were interested and aware of the issue, so we gave advice on how to help. I felt proud that we had made a difference.”
Meanwhile, pupils from Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, Warrington, educated visitors on the shocking statistics surrounding illegal wildlife trade such as poaching and overexploitation.
Understanding the importance of bees and the crucial role they play in addressing climate change, Year 5 pupils from St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Runcorn, demonstrated their knowledge by sharing how bees impact ecosystems, agriculture and biodiversity.
Year 5 pupil, Gracie, said: “I thought it was fun and it’s important to tell people about the importance of bees. If we didn’t have bees, we wouldn’t have food because most of the food we eat is pollinated by bees. I also liked having the opportunity to look around the zoo and to go and see all the other school stations to hear what they were talking about.”
Secondary school students from St Mary’s Catholic College, Wallasey, were stationed at Heart of Africa, where they provided top tips to the public on how to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Lawrence in Year 8, commented: “It was great being at the zoo and being able to interact with likeminded adults who share the same passion when chatting about carbon footprint.”
Ed Boyd, assistant team manager – school engagement at Chester Zoo, said: “School takeover days at Chester Zoo are wonderful days that closely align with the zoo’s mission of preventing extinction, and our conservation masterplan target of empowering ten million people to live more sustainably for the benefit of wildlife.
“When students are given a voice to talk about the conservation and sustainability issues that matter to them, they talk with so much passion that visitors to the zoo really do listen to them.”
He added: “Students have researched these topics themselves and ensured they fully understand the issues, to be able to teach others effectively – we see their confidence grow during the time they are here talking to visitors. It’s great to work alongside HFCMAT on projects such as this one, which illustrate the importance of embedding conservation into the curriculum.”
Pupils from St Bernard’s Catholic Primary, Ellesmere Port, spoke about how to protect coral reefs, whilst St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Oxton, provided information on why plastic pollution is harmful to the environment and how it can be reduced. Discussing the impact of climate change and the increasing rise in water levels in the Heart of Africa were pupils from Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, Wallasey.
Organiser of the takeover day, and creativity and sustainability lead at HFCMAT, Ms Emily Reid, said: “I am incredibly proud of all Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust pupils and students following the Chester Zoo takeover. Both our younger primary pupils and older secondary students spoke passionately to hundreds of members of the public about sustainability issues that are close to their hearts.
“It was inspiring to see their passion, teamwork, and creativity come to life through their talks and presentations. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Chester Zoo’s education team for all their support in allowing us to deliver another brilliant event.”
This is the second HFCMAT takeover day of Chester Zoo, and following last year’s success, and the continued partnership between both organisations, pupils from across the trust, including Year 3 and 4 pupils from St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, Wallasey, created a sustainable art exhibition using recycled materials.
The week-long art exhibition opened to the public on Monday, 22 September in Chester Zoo’s Sumba School House in ‘The Islands’ area.
Both the takeover day and sustainable art exhibition form part of the trust’s wider initiative centred around Catholic Social Teaching and the commitment to the environment outlined in Laudato Si – Care for our Common Home.
Across these two events, as well as HFCMAT COP30, and the Primary Green Careers Carousel hosted by St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, on Friday, 26 September, the trust’s young people are given autonomy to apply their curriculum learning and explore sustainability in more depth via real-world scenarios.
Andy Moor, CEO of HFCMAT, added: “It is incredible to see pupils and students from across the academy trust unite in their passion for conservation and sustainability. This is important to us as Catholic schools and imperative to the future of our planet. Our partnership with Chester Zoo is a special one that really brings this to life for our young people and staff.
“The HFCMAT Chester Zoo takeover not only provides our young people with the opportunity to discuss matters most impacting the world in which we live in today, it gives them a platform to develop lifelong communication skills that will ultimately empower them to become confident and active participants in shaping a better future for all.”