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Former vet shares veterinary knowledge with Harrogate pupils

Tuesday, 21 May 2024 08:59

Andy Hart teaching pupils about veterinary medicine.

A former vet who practised in Africa is hoping to inspire the next generation of animal lovers with an innovative after-school club.

Andy Hart, who has a Masters in both Zoology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine and now teaches Year 6, has set up a unique Vet Club at Ashville Prep School in Harrogate.

He is hoping his experiences in Tanzania and practical, hands-on teaching about the joys of veterinary medicine will help Year 5 and 6 pupils think about Science and Medicine as future careers.

He said:

“It’s such a fascinating subject and this is exactly the age where we can capture their imagination and fascination with animals and Science in general."

Phil Soutar, Head of Ashville Prep School, said the unusual club offered huge learning opportunities for pupils.

He said:

“Andy brings incredible experience to Ashville Prep and his stories of the wildlife and adventures of Africa are a great inspiration.

"We always look for exciting after school clubs and activities that can ignite a love of learning and this is a great example of learning to love the world we live in and the challenges facing our planet.”

Other after-school activities on offer at Ashville Prep include Friday Film Club, the Imagination Tree Club and Outdoor Learning Club.

His love of Africa that took him to Tanzania as the Archbishop of Tanzania requested him to work in rural development in the Iringa region of the country.

When he returned home, he moved to teaching and with his wife, they set up the Artizan International charity.

The charity also works with people with disability here in Harrogate with their café and shop in the town centre.

Mr Hart graduated from Cambridge with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and a Masters in Zoology, and worked in mixed practice in Harrogate, Wharfedale and Nidderdale before studying Tropical Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh..

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