We're excited to announce our School of the Year for Fishkeeper Fry 2022 is St Paul's Catholic Primary School in Thames Ditton. We were thrilled with the amazing work submitted to us during the programme this year and would like to thank all the schools that took part for their commitment to the programme and for engaging with the tasks and activities so enthusiastically. We look forward to welcoming this next generation of young fishkeepers into our stores in the future.

Figure 1: One class at St Paul’s made some pop art style work

We could only have one winner though and St Pauls really did go the extra mile with the way in which they delivered and engaged with the programme. Well done to everyone who took part - students and teachers - and we hope the programme has inspired a lifelong passion for keeping fish for some of you.

Figure 2: St Pauls Catholic Primary School fish tank after week 2

 School of the Year was introduced to Fishkeeper Fry in 2019. It’s a tough job for us to select one school to be the winners. We carefully look through all the work and photos sent to us by teachers to determine which school we feel as been most involved in the programme. This helps us select the winning school along with any extracurricular activities schools undertake.

Figure 3: Another class created these coral reef inspired pieces

This year not only did the school get medals and a trophy, but pupils also got goodie bags, plus the school got a brand new Fluval Shaker 168 Aquarium.

Figure 4: A 3D model of an aquarium made by Isla

Throughout the programme, St Pauls Catholic Primary School produced some excellent work and always kept us up-to-date with what they were learning and doing. During the programme, pupils made leaflets about looking after fish, they also made 3D models of aquariums, as well as some pupils presenting about the fish they seen on holiday along with lot’s more artwork.  

Figure 5: Information leaflets made by year 6

Fishkeeper Fry is aimed at year 3 but St Pauls decided to run the programme for the whole school with each class taking on their own projects. One pupil was awarded our Fishkeeper of the Week after he delighted his class with a presentation of the fish he keeps at home.

Figure 6: Oscar, our Fishkeeper of the Week for week 2

On Friday 10th  June, Tappers and I visited St Pauls Catholic Primary School to award the participants for their outstanding work. We joined the school in their morning assembly where we presented Fishkeepers of the week, and the Eco Council with medals. We then went on to present the trophy to two of the Eco Council members.

Figure 7: The pupils who were awarded medals for their hard work

After the assembly, we were given a guided tour of the school. We happened to visit when St Paul’s were enduring an ‘Under the Sea’ themed week. This means we had the pleasure of seeing lot’s of artwork produced by each class. We were shown salt dough models, fantastic drawings, some creative creatures made from recycling, and so much more. The pupils were all very excited to meet Tappers and show off their work.

Figure 8: Some excellent 'Under the Sea' themed artwork

It was great to see the new tank set-up outside their reception. It’s provided a lovely new home for the fish St Pauls collected during the programme.

Figure 9: Two members of the eco council holding the trophy with Tappers next to the schools new aquarium

We very much enjoyed our visit and felt that St Pauls Catholic Primary School certainly worked hard to win School of the Year 2022.

Figure 10: Lily-May was awarded Fishkeeper of the week for her lovely painting during the programme

To take part in Fishkeeper Fry 2023, visit our Fishkeeper Fry page to apply. You can also find further details of the programme and check out the work others schools have completed.