Falconry for Schools brings feathered fun to West Yorkshire school

A hundred students from Ryburn Valley High School in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire took part in Falconry for Schools fun over four days last month.

The pupils, mostly from Years 7 and 8, plus a handful of 6th form vocational skills students, enjoyed visits from falconer Rhiannon Cowling and her birds on 14, 15, 17 and 22 November.

The classes were part of extra-curricular activities to show students how ability and knowledge can be developed within an hour – a mind-set they can then apply to their academic studies. Previous lessons have included self-defence, sign language, magic tricks and circus skills.

Teacher Laura Robinson said: "The falconry workshops were engaging and informative and the birds were a hook for the students who particularly enjoyed preparing the birds' food!"