Ollaberry Primary School UK Champion 2014, Totally Creative - Scotland

The school’s seven pupils were all involved in an investigation of marine litter.  They explored a local beach and discovered lots of rubbish, some of which was from Shetland, while other items had been washed up having travelled across the ocean.  Their study led them on to creating their own re-usable shopping bags from old t-shirts, which they sold to the local community.  Their enthusiasm drove them to create a brilliant animation highlighting the dangers that plastic bags pose to marine animals like turtles.  You can watch it here.

Headteacher Marianne Raikes said ‘  ’ Our film has had over a thousand views on Youtube now, which is great because it all helps to spread the message about trying to reduce marine litter and to protect our wildlife and environment. ‘

All seven children from the school will be joined representatives from the other Regional Champions at the national awards ceremony at London Zoo.   All of the Regional Champions received a specially commissioned trophy and a cheque for £1,000 to put towards their school funds.  As the 2014 UK Champions, Ollaberry Primary School received a total of £5,000 for their school funds.

YPTE Director, Peter Littlewood, said: “We all loved the animation, which is full of fun yet has a very serious message.  But what made it all the more impressive was to see the huge amount of research and activities that had gone on before the children started work on the animation.  They are real experts on the subject!”