From creative classroom activities to surprise penguin appearances, the school brought the magic of Waddle-on-Sea to life during its launch week for students, staff, and families alike.

Coinciding with World Book Day earlier this year, the school launched a competition to design and name their penguin sculpture, which will be featured in the Waddle-on-Sea art trail, helping to raise vital funds for local charity, Havens Hospices. As part of the celebrations, many teachers, children, and visitors also arrived at school on the day dressed as penguins, adding a fun and festive atmosphere.

Throughout the week, the penguin sculpture kept the students on their toes by mysteriously ‘waddling’ around the school, appearing in unexpected places such as the woods and even a teacher’s cupboard. Meanwhile, Year 6 students took part in a hands-on art project, creating their very own huddle of clay penguins.

Rich Green, Headteacher at Grove Wood Primary School, said, “It’s been a fantastic way to engage the children with art and creativity while building excitement for the Waddle-on-Sea art trail. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and imagination come to life has been truly inspiring.”

The small penguin sculptures are part of the Waddle-on-Sea Community & Learning Programme, sponsored by Rickard Luckin, and are integral to the success of the art trail. Each one will be designed by a local school, youth group or community project, making them completely unique, with their own personalities and names.

Since then, the school has been busy decorating their baby penguin, getting it ready to join the rest of the colony. It will be displayed alongside other mini-penguins in huddles, as well as the large penguins placed across Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea, from July 11th until Wednesday, September 3rd, before they waddle back to their forever homes with their creators.

The Waddle-on-Sea app will be available to buy from the App Store and Google Play from the start of July.

To stay up to date with Waddle-on-Sea, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or follow us on social media – @waddleonsea on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Published on 26th June 2025