Inspired by the recent environmental campaigns, locally and nationally, a primary school have held an Environment Week to learn all about reducing plastic waste and how they can make an impact.

Thurlestone All Saints Primary School have been holding an Environment Week to start the new term, with the aim of educating the children about the importance of protecting our coastal landscape.

The school welcomed in a variety of campaigners, environmental specialists, biologists and representatives from environmental groups to show the children how they can make a difference.

Students and teachers recently began to recognise the amount of plastic being used in the school, which inspired the school to dedicate a week to this.

It started off with an assembly the week before with Amanda Keetley from Less Plastic and Anna Turns from the Salcombe Plastic Clever campaign who talked to the children about plastic pollution.

Other activities included a beach clean at Leasfoot, an art workshop with Lucy Gunning, a drama workshop, a morning with the National Trust and the creation of an eco council. The council is being created to look at ways in which the school could improve the environmental impact from across all age groups.

Natasha Kostka, a HLTA(higher level teaching assistant) who came up with the idea and organised the week, hopes this will make an “effective change” within the school because the children seem so inspired by it.

Natasha is hopeful that the eco council will ensure that the message will continue for the foreseeable future within the school.

Additionally, throughout the week each class did a sponsored outside activity such as rugby in pyjamas and a parents vs. pupils football match to raise money for Surfers Against Sewage.

Students from all age groups have been involved, with Sedgewell Class (year 2 and 3) decorating their own reusable cotton carrier bags that will be distributed throughout the local shops. Buttercove class (year 4 and 5) had an art workshop with Lucy Gunning where they drew a variety of shells and fish.

Two parents have been working with our school journalists to create a special school newspaper with a focus on the environment, that will hopefully be ready by half term.

Richard Eckersley, a former professional football player from the Zero Waste food shop in Totnes came in to give an inspirational Q&A session about his new career venture.

In addition, Sue Durant, Tesco Education champion came in to run a Q&A and a local marine biologist came in to talk to the children.

The school would like to give a special mention to the Village Inn who have been very supportive by offering complimentary drinks after the children returned from the beach clean.