The importance of water – Severn Trent visits to King’s St Alban’s

The pupils of King’s St Alban’s have been extremely lucky to hear from not one but two visiting speakers this week, the second of whom, a representative from Severn Trent Water was more familiar with the King’s Foundation than most! Old Vigornian, Rob Jansen (Kittermaster) enjoyed a tour of King’s Worcester with Alumni Relations Coordinator, Amanda Sutcliffe, before addressing an enthusiastic audience of Prep School pupils.

Rob talked about how we use water, with pupils eager to share their ideas and suggestions, before drawing conclusions that essentially water is used for everything! The pupils couldn’t disagree. Stressing the importance of drinking water, pupils were surprised that living without water for just three days could cause serious illness or even death. They engaged in discussion about the importance of hydration and that the human body needs to be 60% water in order to be able to function.

Getting back to basics, Rob shared a “Colour of your pee chart” which pupils found fascinating, wondering if they go to the lavatory six to seven times a day! Rob asked the children if they drank at least five glasses of water each day, and if the teachers had 8 glasses? He told the children all about what happens when you don’t get enough water: loss of brain concentration and a dry mouth, to mention just a couple of problems. Pupils were shocked to learn that the in order to do its job properly the heart requires blood to consist of 50% water, that our stomachs need water to aid digestion and give us energy, that our kidneys need water to flush out and clean blood of toxins and that our skin needs water to keep flexible and soft. It really is important stuff!

It was then time for some audience participation. Nine volunteers dressed up and read out different scenarios before the audience had to vote on whether the person would be dehydrated or not; pupils had clearly listened to Rob’s presentation!

To conclude the assembly, Rob shared ideas for reducing the use of single use plastics including using tap water, using refillable bottles and avoiding bottled water. Rob left the children making a promise to stay hydrated, reduce plastic and to help look after the environment. Our huge thank you to Rob Jansen from Severn Trent Water for your time.