_20260723105128420.png?width=1920&height=1080&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Website Buttons (1)")
This year, we welcomed duck eggs to Fairway as part of our learning about life cycles. The project was intended to give our children a hands-on opportunity to observe nature and witness the incredible journey from egg to duckling. However, once the ducklings hatched, it quickly became clear that they had captured the hearts of our entire school community!
Pupil voice was loud and clear: the ducklings had to stay. As a result, we proudly adopted our five ducklings, who have now become much-loved members of the Fairway family. Our ducks are incredibly sociable and enjoy regular visits from children across the school, bringing smiles wherever they go.
-20681_20260723111419188.JPEG?scale=MAXSIZE&height=460&modified=1)
-35093_20260723111419126.jpg?scale=MAXSIZE&height=460&modified=1)
_20260723105706796.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Image (82)")
_20260723105725112.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Image (75)")
_20260723105752253.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Image (77)")
_20260723105846205.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Image (80)")
_20260723105913924.jpg?width=320&height=240&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Image (76)")
_20260723111033379.png?width=1920&height=1080&scale=LIMIT_MAXSIZE "Website Buttons (2)")
To support the care of our feathered friends, we introduced the Duck Squad, a dedicated team of pupils from across Key Stage 2. Working alongside our resident "Duck Mums", Lucie and Jess, these children take on the important responsibility of feeding the ducks, cleaning their enclosure and helping to ensure they are happy, healthy and well cared for. Without a doubt, they are the best-kept ducks in the whole of Barnet!
The ducks have had a remarkable impact on life at Fairway. Staff have noticed a significant increase in children's enthusiasm for attending school, with many pupils eager to arrive each day to see the ducks and check on their wellbeing. The ducks have become a positive talking point across the school and a real source of excitement and engagement.
-28298_20260723111337848.jpg?scale=MAXSIZE&height=460&modified=1)
-49694_20260723111337839.jpg?scale=MAXSIZE&height=460&modified=1)
-46070_20260723111337880.jpg?scale=MAXSIZE&height=460&modified=1)
-18014_20260723111111192.JPEG?scale=MAXSIZE&height=460&modified=1)
Their presence has also brought enormous benefits for wellbeing. Spending time with the ducks provides children and staff with moments of calm, connection and joy during the school day. Many pupils enjoy visiting the ducks when they need a quiet moment, while others have developed greater confidence and social skills through caring for and interacting with them.
The Duck Squad has created meaningful opportunities for responsibility, leadership and teamwork. Pupils take genuine ownership of their roles, developing valuable life skills such as commitment, empathy, resilience and accountability. They understand that the ducks rely on them, and they take great pride in the care they provide.
Beyond this, the ducks have enriched learning across the curriculum, inspired curiosity about the natural world and strengthened our sense of community. They have brought children of different ages together, encouraged conversations, fostered friendships and created lasting memories for everyone at Fairway.
What began as a life cycle project has evolved into something far greater. Our ducks are now a cherished part of school life, helping to nurture wellbeing, responsibility, engagement and happiness every single day. We couldn't imagine Fairway without them.