July 2, 2025 02:35pm
Pupils at Plympton Academy are gaining hands-on insight into local wildlife protection, ecology and environmental responsibility, thanks to a unique educational programme featuring a visit from birds of prey.
As part of a 12-week falconry programme, the Academy, a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, invited local falconer Tim to engage in interactive sessions with his trained hawks, Bennie and Burt.
The birds also joined the school’s STEM club, where pupils in Years 7 to 9 explored the physics of flight through engaging demonstrations. “It’s amazing to see birds of prey this close,” said one student. “They’re beautiful and powerful”.
These sessions have inspired lively discussions about food chains, ecosystems and the importance of protecting all wildlife, in balance with the needs of the community.
The initiative is deeply rooted in the school’s values of curiosity, compassion, and community. Pupils have been fascinated by the opportunity to observe birds of prey up close, prompting thoughtful conversations about human impact on nature and how they, as individuals, can make a difference through everyday actions like reducing litter.
The school has teamed up with local community groups, including Plympton Litter Pickers, to support the reduction of litter in the local community, help protect the environment and encourage pupils to take greater responsibility for their town. As a result, pupils have enjoyed giving back to their community whilst caring for the land around them.
As well as enriching the curriculum, the falconry sessions are helping to address a real-world challenge - seagulls. While a natural and protected part of the coastal environment, they have become increasingly present in the local area, often attracted by food waste. With care and respect for nature, Bennie and Burt are helping to gently deter large gatherings of gulls, encouraging a healthier balance in the local ecosystem through a non-invasive, respectful method.
Shaun Willis, Principal at Plympton Academy, said:
"This approach reflects everything we stand for as a school. It shows courage in trying something different, compassion in using a natural method, and curiosity in how our students have responded with enthusiasm and interest in local wildlife. Above all, it demonstrates our commitment to being a school that works with the local community.
“We want our pupils to grow up understanding how to care for the world around them not just in the classroom, but through real experiences that bring learning to life. Whether it is exploring nature, thinking about how we use resources, or finding greener ways to do things, sustainability runs through everything we do.”
