Its in our hands – Singleton Heights

The students at Singleton Heights Public School (Hunter Valley, NSW) in years 2 to 4 had just completed a geography/science unit called, ‘It’s In Our Hands’.  This Project Based Learning (PBL) unit of work allows students to discover how our actions and decisions affect wildlife around the world.

During their research on the topic they discovered Daniel and William’s quest to save the orangutans from extinction and, so inspired, they sought permission from their Principal to write their own email and organise for Daniel and William to come and present to their school.

On the day…

On the day of Daniel and Williams visit, and as soon as they arrived, the boys made a surprise visit to Mrs Janelle Cox’s class who had written the email.  The class were all extremely excited and thrilled to meet the boys before the whole school presentation.

Around 500 students packed the hall from years 1 through to year 6.  Everyone even joined in together singing the song, ‘Try Everything‘ which features in Daniel and William’s video.  The hall was a buzz with excitement, enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge.

The questions after the presentation came thick and fast.  As soon as one question had been answered there were 50 hands held straight up in the air to ask more questions.

Questions ranged from, “What was your most memorable moment on your trip?“, “What was your funniest moment?“, to technical questions around how they put the video together.

The students were so engaged with the post presentation discussion the teachers had to step in to end question time so the students wouldn’t miss out on their lunch.  During the lunch break, and while William signed the students books, more and more students came back into the hall to ask even more questions from the boys.

During the lunch time break one student remarked that he had so much joy today meeting Dan and Will and that he wanted to tell all his family about the orangutans.  He said, “I learnt so much more from their presentation that I am going home to tell everybody!”.

Conservation Art

Also on the day, Years 3 and 4 held an Art Show in the school hall displaying their art work depicting how wildlife around the world still needs our help to survive.  The students took great pride in showing their work to Daniel and William after their presentation.

It was a privilege to meet everyone at Singleton Heights Public School today.  Their enthusiasm and passion to want to know more about orangutans, their habitat and to help save them inspires us to keep going and strive even further to make a difference.  William Clarke

When leaving at the end of the day, Daniel was approached by one young student who was so moved by the boys plight that she said, “I wish I could be your sister“.

Thanks Singleton Heights for an incredible day.  Your whole school community has touched our hearts.  Daniel Clarke

We would love to come back again and visit your amazing school in the near future.