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Wildlife Action Awards for Home Educators
4.2 Put on a show submission
For a guide to how the Wildlife Action Awards fit into the Sustainble Schools Framework for England, and the curriculm, see the downloads at the side of this page.
Wild at home
George Osgerby may only be 12, but his wild talents have earned him a prestigious gold award in our Wildlife Action Award scheme.
Creating a wildlife pond, building a bug hotel and making a wildlife collage are just some of the activities he completed on his way to a gold award.
George, who lives in Scarborough with his family, is home educated. He's been involved in the scheme for about a year and has already created a wildlife pond, amended his family's shopping habits, and drawn up a guide to wildflowers.
Mum Leanne heard about the scheme from Education otherwise a newsletter for home educators. 'I was attracted to the educational aspects of the scheme. It fitted very well with the way we do things. There isn't a specific curriculum we work to, we tend to do lots of bite size projects and treated the award scheme in this way. George was attracted to the scheme because he receives certificates and stickers, things his friends get all the time at school.'
Since starting the award scheme George, and his parents, have learned a lot about wildlife and are more aware of environmental issues, including the need for recycling and living a greener lifestyle.
George explains, 'The things I've learned most about are bird names and their habitats. I am now much better at recognising different birds and I know a lot more about where birds and other animals live and what you can expect to see in different places.'
'My favourite bit was making the ‘Wildlife in Towns' collage. I got loads of pictures of badgers, foxes and other wildlife. I never realised before just how many different types of animals there are in our towns and cities.'
Mum Leanne added: 'During his free time, you're more likely to find George out in the garden making wildlife homes or surveying the local wildlife than sitting in front of the television or computer. I am recommending the scheme to everyone I know.'
And the thing George enjoyed most about the scheme, the certificates and stickers. 'It's great getting the certificates and stickers. It makes you feel important. I hang the certificates on the wall in my room and show them to people.'
Having achieved his award, George is now planning to join the East Yorkshire Wildlife Explorers club in Bridlington. Find your nearest Wildlife Explorer club. The family have also joined our Wildsquare project.