Inventive youngsters at Cosby Primary School have learnt all about bees and biodiversity after winning a prestigious national competition
The school is also set to adopt its own beehive as part of the prize, after coming first in the UK Intellectual Property Office’s ‘Wallace & Gromit’s Cracking Ideas Competition’.
On a bright morning in March, the pupils and their teachers were treated with a prize that saw them adopt no less than 10,000 bees and a sustainably built home for the pollinators. The bees will be based in the green hills of Neath, home to South Wales-based company Bee1.
Throughout the year the pupils and teachers will view live stream footage of their hive and receive updates from their dedicated beekeeper. Pupils and staff also rolled up their sleeves and took to creating eco-friendly bee bombs which will now spread wildflower seeds around the local community.
The pupils at Cosby Primary School - aged 4-11 - took to the drawing board last year and invented over 200 sustainable and fun new modes of transport for the famous invention-loving duo - Wallace and Gromit, powering them over 1000 miles on a virtual journey around the UK. Many of the competition entries were inspired by the humble bumble bee and the natural environment.
Debra Gibson, Art and Design Technology Lead, Cosby Primary School said:
Mark Douglas, Founder, Bee1, said:
As the great inventors of the future are in the classroom, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) believes it’s important to foster a spirit of invention in young people whilst raising the awareness and understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, such as patents, trademarks copyright, and designs. In partnership with Aardman animations, the annual Cracking Ideas Competition aims to equip the next generation with the tools and skills needed to secure their future and help make life better for all.
Laurien Webb, Senior Campaigns Manager, IPO said:
The IPO have just launched their 14th Cracking Ideas competition along with multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award-winning studio Aardman.
Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager, Aardman, said:
If you know any budding inventors ages 4 to 11 that would love to get their hands on some cracking prizes, make sure you visit the Cracking Ideas website or follow the IPO Education - Cracking Ideas social media channels to find out more.
Notes to Editors