Last week, WildChina Education had the honour of hosting a distinguished guest, renowned BBC documentary producer Mike Gunton, at the campus of Nord Anglia Chinese International School (NACIS). This visit offered an incredible opportunity for students to engage in an insightful dialogue about nature.
Mike Gunton
Creative Director, BBC Studios, The Natural History Unit
Mike Gunton has a global reputation for his exceptional storytelling and innovation in the realm of documentary filmmaking. He has developed and produced numerous critically acclaimed series, including Galapagos, Yellowstone, Planet Earth II, Planet Earth III, Dynasties, and The Green Planet.
In a brief yet profound interview, we asked Mike what drives him to continuously produce such compelling nature stories. His response was both unexpected and fitting: to showcase the wonders of nature and, more importantly, to highlight the complexity and fragility of Earth's natural systems.
Interestingly, Mike emphasized that while providing high-quality and accurate information is fundamental, the key to a successful documentary is engaging storytelling. How does he measure success? By whether it resonates with young audiences. And what captures their attention? Vivid, detailed stories.
Why is engaging young minds so crucial? Because they are the generation filled with hope and potential for change. Interacting with NACIS primary school students was a meaningful experience for Mike. The students' engagement during the sharing session and their presentations of sustainability projects—ranging from low-carbon campuses and zero-carbon buildings to water recycling systems—left a lasting impression on him.
Mike shared that as a documentary producer, he feels a mission to provide future generations with material and tools for reflection, to ignite their passion for nature, and to motivate them to take action in protecting our precious planet.
While BBC documentaries spark a love for nature and a desire to act, WildChina Education's mission is to use experiential education to sustain and deepen this passion, making it more tangible and actionable.
Kelsey’s sustainability workshop is one such example. Experiential education thrives on hands-on practice. In alignment with Mike's discussion on human impact on the environment and the intricate, vulnerable ecosystem, Kelsey creatively combined waste recycling, campus environment, and pH testing.
Students tried their hand at proper waste classification, conducted pH tests on campus river samples, and learnt from Kelsey how correct or incorrect waste disposal affects our surroundings and other living organisms.
As Mike said, the next generation is our hope! As educators, we strive to provide them with unique experiences, enabling them to become visionary and capable global citizens who can bring about new possibilities!
Exciting Announcement！
This summer, WildChina Education will collaborate more extensively with BBC Earth, promising an unforgettable experience for the children. Follow us for upcoming major announcements!
