Year 7 students at King’s Leadership Academy Liverpool recently took part in an exciting educational project with Chester Zoo, focusing on climate change, sustainability, and endangered species. The initiative provided students with a hands-on learning experience, reinforcing key environmental issues while engaging them in interactive and thought-provoking activities.
The project aimed to educate students about climate change and its impact on wildlife, specifically linking it to the endangered species housed at Chester Zoo. Through a series of classroom-based activities, students explored sustainability and the reasons behind species endangerment. Students were also tasked with creating their own sustainable town using LEGO, encouraging them to think critically about environmental responsibility. Additionally, Chester Zoo staff delivered a series of engaging lessons, bringing in artifacts such as leopard and snake skins to give students a tangible connection to the topic.
Beyond gaining a deeper understanding of climate change, students developed valuable skills such as teamwork, as all activities were conducted in groups. They gained a newfound appreciation for the effects of climate change on wildlife and explored potential career paths related to conservation and sustainability. Students also learned practical ways to combat climate change in their daily lives, empowering them to make a difference. A side challenge encouraged students to capture the best wildlife photograph, with the winning entry judged by Ben Osborne, an award-winning wildlife photographer and cinematographer for Sir David Attenborough.
The project culminated in a fantastic visit to Chester Zoo, where students were able to see conservation in action. From learning about endangered species to understanding the importance of sustainable choices, the experience brought their classroom learning to life. The visit allowed students to deepen their understanding of the real-world impact of conservation efforts and see firsthand how small actions can contribute to global change.
The project was met with great enthusiasm from the students, and a follow-up session revealed that students felt they could actively contribute to climate change solutions. Their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the project impressed Chester Zoo so much that all participating students were rewarded with free tickets to return to the zoo again with their families.
The initiative was organised and led by Lauren Crew, Head of Geography, and Ian Rossiter, Assistant Principal and Head of Year 7. Their efforts in bringing this valuable opportunity to students highlight King’s Leadership Academy Liverpool’s commitment to providing enriching, real-world learning experiences.
Reflecting on the success of the project, Ian stated: "The Chester Zoo Project was a fabulous event for our students. The staff from the zoo presented a really important topic in an engaging way while linking the issues with the wildlife in their care. This made the issue of climate change relevant to the students and provided them with practical ways of reducing their carbon footprint. I would like to thank the staff at Chester Zoo for their engaging lessons and the time they took to invite us to the zoo - we absolutely loved it!"