Young Formby filmmakers plead for our planets future

A talented group of Formby primary school pupils inspired by David Attenborough have made a film to highlight the importance of looking after our planet.

Year 5 children at Redgate Primary School in Formby returned to school after lockdown in September shocked and worried about the enormous amounts of rubbish left behind by visitors to their local beaches.

The children were studying the Oliver Jeffers book ‘Here We Are’ which focuses on the message that we only have one planet and it is everyone’s job to look after it and the children discussed the responsibility everyone has to play their part.

Miss Gill Stratton, Year 5 teacher at Redgate Primary School said: “The children are worried, as we all are, about the environment and what is happening to our world. We have discussed in class documentaries, such as the recent David Attenborough one, and they are all concerned about climate change and the loss of habitat for wildlife. I am so proud of the way the children have made their voices heard in a really powerful way.

“I think that when people see the film it will give them a real sense of hope for the future, but what the children are really calling for is for is action now and for everyone to play their part in protecting our planet now, before it is too late.”

Headteacher at Redgate, Mrs Webb said: “I was so moved that our Year 5 children could produce such a mature, thought provoking piece to share with our community. After being at home for such a long time during lockdown it was wonderful to see the children return to school with such passion to collaborate on this project and use their skills to highlight a ‘real life’ global issue.”

The children had the exciting opportunity of working with Liverpool-based award-winning film charity Clapperboard UK as part of their youth film charity, working with young people, schools and communities making short films on issues that affect them and the wider society.

Maureen Sinclair, director of ClapperboardUK said: “It was an absolute pleasure to work in partnership with Redgate Primary School and their talented young pupils. We are delighted what we have been able to achieve with the kind support and funding from PH Holt Trust and look forward to celebrating the young pupils achievements at our next Clapperboard Awards Ceremony”.

You can view their film at: https://youtu.be/bIut12ylSpo