Sir David Attenborough praises Bedford school for ‘splendid work’ on natural world

Pupils sent him a leaflet on orangutans, eagles and jaguars
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sir David Attenborough has written to applaud the work being done by a primary school teacher and her class in Bedford.

The letter from Sir David praised the young pupils at Great Ouse Primary Academy and commended their teacher for 'clearly doing splendid work explaining to your pupils about the need to care for the natural world'.

Amy Jackson, teacher of the Year 3 class at Great Ouse, part of Sharnbrook Academy Federation, wrote to Sir David to share with him a leaflet on endangered rainforest animals made by one of her Year 3 pupils, Leo.

Leo with the leaflet he madeLeo with the leaflet he made
Leo with the leaflet he made

BAFTA Award-winner Sir David, hailed as a national treasure by many and best known as a broadcaster, writer and naturalist, was impressed by Leo’s leaflet of fun facts and took the time to send a handwritten response to Mrs Jackson and her class.

Leo’s leaflet included facts about orangutans, harpy eagles and jaguars - including how the word orangutan means ‘person of the forest’.

In her letter to Sir David Attenborough, Mrs Jackson also noted what a huge inspiration he was to herself and all her pupils and mentioned the efforts they were making to help save the planet and educate others.

These include substituting plastic straws for reusable ones and making a conscious effort to reduce, reuse and recycle items wherever possible.

Letter from Sir David AttenboroughLetter from Sir David Attenborough
Letter from Sir David Attenborough

Across the whole of Great Ouse Primary Academy, pupils are taught about the importance of recycling and taking care of the environment.

Sir David said: “You are clearly doing splendid work explaining to your pupils about the need to care for the natural world.

"Please give my best wishes to your class and in particular to Leo.”

Mrs Jackson said: “I was truly honoured and touched to receive this recognition.

Leo's leafletLeo's leaflet
Leo's leaflet

"It was extremely thoughtful and kind of Sir David Attenborough to take the time to respond to the letter and reiterates what a true inspiration and icon he is.

"It has brought a smile to all of our faces at a time when some of us need them the most.

"I am hugely proud of all our pupils for their hard work throughout lockdown and their continued recycling efforts and I shall frame this for all to see when we return.”

Paul Ives, Principal at Great Ouse Primary Academy, said: “We ensure all our pupils are aware of the importance of looking after our environment and we have all been inspired by the amazing work Sir David Attenborough has done for so long.

"It is wonderful that he has taken the time to acknowledge the brilliant work being done by our pupils and staff.”