Adopt-a-Kite Scheme
The Adopt-a-Kite Scheme is available to pre-school, primary and secondary schools in northeast England and is free to join. By adopting a red kite, pupils can learn about red kites, nature conservation and biodiversity through this very exciting wildlife project.
All the red kites released between 2004 and 2006 were given uniquely numbered colour-coded wing tags and a radio transmitter that emits at an individual frequency. As a result, it has been possible to track individual birds and provide updates to schools on their very own kite and how it is doing in the wild.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY!! Schools have adopted all the kites released. Availability of red kites for future adoptions is now based upon the number of kite chicks wing tagged when nests are checked in the wild on an annual basis. This therefore limits the number of schools that can join the scheme.
However, there are similar activities available in the Kids4Kites scheme
If your school is successful in adopting a kite, you will be asked to name your kite to receive a certificate and an education resources pack full of classroom-based activities.
By the summer of 2008, nearly 100 hundred schools from around northeast England have adopted a red kite through the Northern Kites Project. All the kites have been given names by pupils of each school. These names include: Scarlet, Fire Flight, Flame, Phoenix, Twilight, Flag, Fantastic Flying Fiona and Red Arrow.
Adopt-a-Kite schools have included kites in assemblies, classroom sessions, developed separate projects and created displays. Examples of these can be seen in the School Project Gallery.
Comments from schools on the scheme:
“We have enjoyed the scheme and found it to be a positive experience. It has made our children aware of the wildlife around us.”
“A brilliant scheme.”
“The education resources pack is really useful and we have been able to use it across the key stages.”
“We use it directly in Y13 lessons, use it as an activity in ecology club and include it in the school newsletter and notice board.”
Click here to see the elements of the National Curriculum that the Adopt-a-Kite Scheme helps to deliver.
For further information contact Melanie Hills or Julie Chrisp at the Project office on 0191 4961555