Since the start of term Year 7 and 8 Communications classes have been exploring the issues and arguments around keeping animals in captivity. All 250 pupils have researched the arguments for and against zoos; holding debates, creating campaign posters, recording vox pops, writing short articles and creating powerpoints. Pupils then used their newfound knowledge to prepare a range of questions to be put to an expert.

On Friday 3rd February, Lawrence Bates, COO of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, was beamed into Year 7 and 8’s mentor time for an online quickfire Q&A session to conclude pupil’s learning.

Lawrence was grilled by each mentor group, with ten pupils asking excellent questions ranging from “What is your favourite animal?” to “What is the hardest decision you have had to make?”. He shared his experiences of looking after rescued elephants in the West Midlands, rescuing tigers from certain death in Russia and having chats with spider monkeys; his passion for animals really shone through to all listening.

We are thankful to Lawrence for giving up his time to share his expertise with us and for being such an excellent guest. Also, very well done to all year 7 and 8 pupils for embracing the Communications lessons with such enthusiasm.