GILDRIDGE House School has unveiled a new partnership with Knockhatch Adventure Park, giving pupils access to a range of outdoor learning opportunities and introducing a rather unusual new school mascot.
The Eastbourne school officially launched the collaboration on Tuesday, July 7, when students visited Knockhatch to meet Gilly, a two-year-old rare breed Cheviot billy goat who will become the school’s official mascot.
Gilly lives at Knockhatch Adventure Park near Hailsham and is one of only around 450 Cheviot goats believed to remain in the UK.
The partnership is designed to take learning beyond the classroom, with plans for curriculum-based activity days, educational visits, careers education and other experiences for pupils from Reception through to Year 11.
Executive Head Teacher Craig Bull said the collaboration would help bring lessons to life.
He said: “Education should inspire curiosity, create memorable experiences, and help young people connect what they learn in the classroom with the world around them.
“This partnership allows us to do exactly that. Whether students are taking part in curriculum activities, exploring future careers, or simply enjoying new experiences together, Knockhatch offers a wonderful opportunity to bring learning to life.”
Mr Bull added that Gilly would also play an important role in welcoming new pupils.
“He will help children starting in Reception feel part of the Gildredge House community from the very beginning, while becoming a symbol of ambition, perseverance, curiosity, leadership, belonging and pride across the school.”
Chris Beveridge from Knockhatch Adventure Park said education and conservation had always been central to the attraction’s work.
He said: “Conservation and education are integral to everything we do at Knockhatch Adventure Park. From our farming roots right up to the present day, we have worked hard to deliver both.
“We are absolutely delighted that our new partnership with Gildredge House will help us inspire future generations, particularly through our work with Gilly and the critically endangered Cheviot goat breed.”
