We turned our focus to look at practical ways to care for our environment, including the launch of our Trust Sustainability Strategy which will see us become a net-zero organisation by 2050.
Planet Protectors saw beach cleans, digital declutters and tailored lessons to put environmental responsibility in the spotlight but the impact of Planet Protectors continues beyond the dedicated week. Schools are always actively engaging with tasks and initiatives to care for their environment all year round, as young people are taught to become active citizens in their communities.
The Portsmouth Academy has led the way this year with a whole-school creative writing competition, challenging students to respond creatively on an environmental issue. The poems were submitted to a mystery judge, who whittled it down to seven finalists, with Diana, a Year 7 pupil taking the crown.
Her poem ‘The Ocean’s Cry’ powerfully explored the impact of plastic pollution in our waters, an issue which is so relevant in a coastal city like Portsmouth. She commented on the effort and determination she put in to win the competition at The Portsmouth Academy.
"I was trying really hard and it felt good because my work paid off. Writing (the poem) was time consuming but I’m glad because it raises awareness about plastic pollution”.
At the awarding of the certificates, the mystery judge was revealed as Mark Waldron, Editor-in-Chief at The News, Portsmouth, who brought expert insight to a variety of strong entries.
Mark expressed his personal honour of being appointed to judge the competition and praised the vast array of poetry on display from the finalists.
"I was delighted to award the certificates and prizes to these wonderful students here at The Portsmouth Academy.
"Their creative talent to produce such impactful pieces of work is remarkable and they should feel so proud of their achievements”.
Reflecting on the wider impact of this competition, Mark was impressed with the dedication from students at The Portsmouth Academy, to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
"Our environment and planet are so precious, and Planet Protectors is a brilliant initiative to get students actively engaged with a topic so important in today's world".
WeAreOne events are built around a specific theme, where students and staff come together to showcase their creativity and thinking. Through the power of self-reflection, young people are empowered to take meaningful action in their communities.
Speaking on the wider impact of Planet Protectors, Mrs S. Dedman, Principal at The Portsmouth Academy, commented on the special recognition which the finalists received.
“It’s brilliant to see so much wonderful engagement with our creative writing initiative this year, and Diana, Sugoud and Yasna fully deserve their accolades.
“At The Portsmouth Academy, Planet Protectors was about more than just looking at environmental issues, it’s getting our pupils to understand the vital role they can play as active citizens in their local community and beyond.
“We’re proud to work with our students to help them discover how they can aspire and achieve beyond the curriculum, and poetry remains such a powerful way to strengthen their voice as young people”.
Initiatives like Planet Protectors and our school’s Earth Alliance teams demonstrate the power of how the Thinking Schools Academy Trust unites 26 schools and their students. Young people think boldly and use their voice to understand how to act responsibly in the modern world.
Education and learning across our trust aren’t just about academic success but also shaping conscious minds who can contribute to a brighter future for them, and generations to come.