We have had a fabulous time celebrating Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday as a whole school community today (May 8th)!

At King's Ely Acremont Pre-Prep, our Year 2 pupils have written letters to the legendary broadcaster and environmentalist, made him birthday cards, watched some of his documentaries, and of course eaten birthday cake on Sir David's behalf.

At King's Ely Prep, Head of Geography, Mr Alan Parkinson's life-size cut-out of Sir David went down a storm with pupils (and staff!). Sir David 'visited' all of the Prep House meetings this morning and had 'Happy Birthday' sung to him! 

At King's Ely Senior and Sixth Form, Sir David and his deep knowledge and passion for the natural world was the focus of this morning's assembly inside Ely Cathedral. The assembly was led by A-Level Biologists, Sienna, Keryn, and Grace, with support from Head of Biology, Miss Isobel Smyth.

In their script, Sienna said: "Sir David Attenborough’s impact lies in transforming how people understand and value nature: his programmes have brought the beauty, complexity, and fragility of Earth’s ecosystems into millions of homes worldwide. In recent decades, he has also become a powerful advocate for conservation and climate action, using his global platform to raise awareness about biodiversity loss, climate change, and the urgent need to protect the planet for future generations."

Students and staff heard all about his childhood and upbringing, and how he became the Sir David we know today, such as receiving an accelerated wartime degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, joining the Royal Navy, and applying to work as a radio producer at the BBC in 1952, being rejected, and then later being reconsidered for television instead! 

Miss Smyth said: "Sir David's remarkable career was, in many ways, shaped as much by serendipity as by talent. Rather than following a rigid plan, he seized each opportunity as it arose, from presenting early wildlife programmes to eventually becoming one of the most influential voices in the history of natural history broadcasting. His story is a reminder that success often lies not just in ability, but in the readiness to recognise and embrace the chances that fortune places in your path. It is also a reminder about how we can and should use our influence to do good, as he has been using his broadcasting opportunities to do."

Happy centenary, Sir David - and thank you for everything!

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