Students at Northampton Academy joined together with individuals, schools and organisations across the world to raise awareness of environmental issues as part of CNN's Call to Earth Day.
Students at the academy supported the venture by planting seven different types of trees around the school grounds, including Forest Pansy, Crab Apple and Ornamental Cherry. The trees were planted by representatives from each year group who form part of the school’s new Community Action Committee.
Organised by Claire Coles, Careers Manager at Northampton Academy, the tree planting initiative was designed to give pupils the opportunity to help improve their local environment and likewise grow something that will forever act as a reminder of their commitment as they progress through the school.
Nas Banahene, a Year 12 student at Northampton Academy, said:
“Trees play such an important part in our lives. Planting the trees around our school site today symbolised how much we, at Northampton Academy, appreciate our environment. Having green spaces supports our wellbeing and caring for our surroundings evidences our status as a School of Character.”
Claire Coles, Careers Manager at Northampton Academy, said:
"Our aim with this project is for students to appreciate their environment and realise the importance of ensuring green spaces are available to all. Students from our Community Action Committee were very keen to participate in this event and are committed to doing all they can for our planet.
“Encouraging our students to get involved in projects like this is all part of how we deliver a Character Education. As well as ensuring our young people have everything they need to achieve academic success, this means developing them into kind, respectful and socially responsible members of society.”
Other plans made by the Community Action Committee include:
- Posters to go around the schools’ waste bins that clearly show what is recyclable.
- Arranging a litter pick in conjunction with a local charity
- Writing a poem to raise awareness of the importance of climate action.