FORMER GORDONSTOUN PUPILS unfurled a banner in London’s Trafalgar Square this week marking the private school’s role in National Geographic’s ‘Big Cat Week’.
Gordonstoun is the only school in the UK that will take part in a world-wide educational programme that is designed to raise awareness of the plight of the big cat populations.
The campaign also intends to raise funding for school supplies in Africa, with Gordonstoun pupils deep into the planning of their own big cat events throughout the week. These will include a “roar-off” with every pupil in the school having their faces painted to resemble a big cat.
National Geographic aims to highlight the dwindling big cat population in Africa – and Gordonstoun are using the initiative to further strengthen their ties with a primary school in Botswana.
School principal Simon Reid said: “We are very proud to be the first school in the UK to be participating in the National Geographic programme. As a South African, I am delighted that Gordonstoun students have this opportunity to learn more about a cause that is close to my heart.”
A National Geographic spokesman added: “We hope that Gordonstoun’s involvement with its sister school in Botswana will encourage students from both schools to learn more about each other’s cultures and raise their understanding of the plight of big cats worldwide.”
The scheme was launched with the unveiling of a new sculpture of a clockwork lion in London, which will emphasise the limited time available to stop big cat numbers from falling further.