Newington Community Primary united in style to celebrate the 100th birthday of wildlife champion and environmentalist Sir David Attenborough.
Centrepiece of the celebrations was a street party in the school playground where hundreds of children raised their voices for a rousing performance of Happy Birthday followed by clapping and cheering.
In keeping with its wildlife conservation ethos, the school plans to adopt an animal at nearby Wingham Wildlife Park with proceeds from an after-school cake and ice cream sale.
Sir David is one of the school’s ‘House Heroes’ and pupils regularly learn about his life and its many and varied achievements in support of the natural world as part of their personal development curriculum.
On Friday, May 8, children and staff dressed up as animals, explorers or wore their party clothes for the big day.
Activities began with a special assembly with a celebration of all that broadcaster, natural historian and writer has achieved.
Every child then listened to Sir David’s speech broadcast into their classrooms where he spoke about the climate challenge facing the world from on board Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough.
The themed lunch street party with bunting decorations saw pupils tuck into packed lunches prepared by the kitchen team, with the birthday song led by music teacher Warwick Eldred and music teaching assistant Claire Groom.
Head Teacher Hannah Tudor said: “The planned adoption of an animal celebrates our theme of wildlife conservation that is such a strong part of our learning; it also fits in with our school trip calendar as we are regular visitors to the Wingham centre.
“Sir David was chosen as one of our House Heroes for his lifelong dedication and enthusiasm to the planet – he is an impeccable inspiration for all of us.
“His passion for his cause is legendary and I am proud to say that we firmly encourage our children sharing that same passion in their aspirations and achievements, whatever the celebration.
“It was a marvellous celebration of an iconic man and I know our Sir David’s birthday event will live long in our children’s hearts and minds.”
*Newington’s House Heroes are inspirational people that the four school houses are named after in celebration of the special contribution that they made to the world.
As well as Sir David, they are civil rights activist Rosa Parks, astronaut Neil Armstrong who was the first person to walk on the moon, and aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart.
The school’s music team has also written its own tribute song called House Heroes that is performed by children at events throughout the year.
*Broadcaster, natural historian and writer, Sir David began his presenting career as host of Zoo Quest in 1954, and has spanned eight decades. It includes the nine documentary series forming The Life Collection, Natural World, Wildlife on One, the Planet Earth franchise, The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet.
He has collected dozens of honorary degrees and awards for his work that is always presented in his unique style.
