Pupils, parents and staff at a Derby school have joined forces to transform their school grounds into greener, more vibrant spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The initiative, led by William Gilbert School – part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) – challenged pupils to each raise £20.25 for the year 2025, with all proceeds going towards outdoor improvements and green projects across the site.
Local landscaping group Down to Earth helped bring the vision to life by transforming the playground. New planters, benches and raised structures were installed, creating calm and colourful spaces where children can relax, read and spend time outdoors.
Year 6 pupil and eco-committee member Violetta Stacey said: “I am really enjoying the new space at the school. It’s a great place to relax, but also a fantastic space for biodiversity to thrive.
“It’s a way to show my peers why it’s so important to look after the planet. If we don’t look after it, we will lose it. I feel very passionately about this, so I’m using this space to inspire others in the school to see the benefits of caring for our environment.”
Each class has been tasked with tending to two planters, choosing seasonal flowers and vegetables to grow, learning valuable lessons about nature, sustainability and responsibility along the way.
The £20.25 for 2025 campaign proved a huge success, raising almost £5,000 and bringing the whole school community together. Replacing the traditional summer fayre, pupils used their “happy hour” — an hour at the end of the school day on a Friday — to sell baked cakes, organise sponsored events and run their own stalls featuring obstacle courses, penalty shoot-outs and arts and crafts.
One pupil even hosted a sponsored chess tournament with elderly members of the community, while others raised funds through litter-picking challenges and musical performances. A friendly school-wide competition saw the class that raised the most money treated to a movie and popcorn afternoon.
In addition, the school successfully applied for £1,000 of local village funding from the Duffield Community Association to restore its long-neglected pond. With the help of parent volunteers Dan Mauner and Anna Maddison, the pond area has been beautifully renovated, providing new opportunities for forest school sessions, pond dipping and outdoor learning. Pupils have already been using the space to study life cycles and observe frogspawn, bringing science lessons to life in a natural setting.
Headteacher Helen Britten said: “This project has been a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. Our pupils showed incredible creativity and enthusiasm in raising money and have taken great pride in seeing their efforts blossom across the school grounds.
“The new green spaces not only look beautiful but also provide calm, inclusive areas where children can connect with nature, learn and relax.
“We’re extremely grateful to our PTA, parent volunteers and everyone who supported this initiative — it truly has made a lasting difference to our school.”
DDAT Chief Executive Officer Sarah Clark said: “This inspiring project shows the difference schools can make when pupils, staff and the wider community work together.
“It’s wonderful to see children taking pride in their environment, learning about sustainability and creating spaces that everyone can enjoy. Initiatives like this plant the seeds for a lifelong respect for nature and community spirit.”
-ENDS-
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
