Pupils at Oakwood Junior School, part of the Odyssey Collaborative Trust, will start the new school year continuing to learn about the impact of fast fashion and how to make more environmentally responsible choices, as part of a school-wide sustainability project.
Children in Years 3 to 5 last academic year explored the environmental damage caused by fast fashion—including excessive waste, pollution, and the use of unsustainable materials. Each class then designed their own sustainable clothing items using eco-friendly ideas and reused materials. With a £10 class budget, they visited a local charity shop, selected preloved items, and transformed them into their chosen designs.
The project culminated in a vibrant showcase event, where the finished garments were displayed, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and conscious consumption.
In parallel, the school’s Eco Warriors—two representatives from each class—have been championing sustainable practices, educating peers on everyday changes such as turning off unused lights, saving water, and reducing waste.
The Eco Warriors also led a fundraising effort for the World Land Trust, a global charity working to restore forests and degraded land in Kenya. After calculating the size of Oakwood’s playground, pupils estimated it would take £450 to fund the restoration of an equivalent area abroad.
To support this goal, the school hosted a preloved book sale and cake sale, reinforcing the importance of reuse and community involvement and raising nearly £300.
As pupils return to class, the school is preparing to continue its fundraising, aiming to reach the £450 target.
“Head teacher Mrs Atwal said: “Our pupils have shown real leadership in sustainability. They’ve not only learned about global environmental issues but have taken meaningful, creative action to make a difference.”
This article was written by Kirsty Green on behalf of Odyssey Collaborative Trust. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
