All-singing, all-dancing Wellingborough schoolchildren's lockdown science project wins academy cash prize

Young scientists from a Wellingborough school are celebrating after being named as winners in the UK-wide Better Energy School Awards 2020.

A team of boffins made up of key worker children from Ruskin Academy put their brains together to create posters, songs and a rap in a bid to win an environmental award.

Their entry ‘Years 3-6 Scientific Projects’ was declared runner-up in the ‘Totally Scientific’ Award category for schools in central and southern England with their ‘Save Our Planet Lockdown Song’ receiving a highly commended in the 'Totally Creative' category.

Nicky Kingsnorth, Ruskin Academy's head of school said: "We are thankful that the hard work and achievement of the pupils has been recognised nationally.

"Our 40 key worker children worked together as a whole school using Google Classrooms and we held a topic day to learn about our planet.

"The standard of the work that they have produced has been amazing and the way that the children have adapted so quickly to the new rules has made me very proud.

"I'd also like to thank the staff for everything they have done. It's been a real team effort."

Their Save Our Planet Lockdown Song was based on George Ezra's smash hit 'Shotgun' with the children writing alternative lyrics to inspire people to look after the earth.

Ruskin's children learned about different types of renewable energy, including wind turbines and solar power.

The children also learned about the way in which palm oil plantations have contributed to destruction of the rainforests and about the importance of recycling.

The Better Energy School Awards is a nationwide competition for five to 11-year-olds, that is run by the Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) in partnership with Total.

Even with schools in lockdown, more than 28,750 children submitted entries for the 2020 Awards, which aim to generate interest in the environment and raise awareness of the need for sustainable energy sources.

YPTE sirector Peter Littlewood said: “Given the strange circumstances that schools face at the moment, we have been delighted with the number of entries we have received again from schools across England, Scotland and Wales this year.

"Young people are really getting to grips with a wide range of environmental issues and their ideas and actions have been really heartwarming to see.

“Ruskin Junior’s children produced some great work. We particularly enjoyed the wind turbine model that Paulina made. It was great to see their key workers’ Save Our Planet song too.”

The school has received a £250 runner up prize and £100 for being highly commended.

Mr Kingsnorth added: "We are putting the prize money towards creating a wildlife garden and greenhouse full of flowers, plants, compost bins, birdboxes, insect hotels so all the children will be able to interact with the natural world around them."

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