Students from Exmouth Community College (ECC) have rolled up their sleeves to help protect their local coastline, removing 5.5kg of plastic and other waste from Exmouth Beach as part of a special environmental action day.
Beach Heroes Take Action
Twenty-nine students, known as the school's 'Beach Heroes', took part in the initiative, which combined beach cleaning, environmental education and community engagement. The event was organised through the college's Eco Group and Science Department, helping students learn more about protecting marine environments while taking practical action in their local community.
The students were supported by local not-for-profit organisations Sea Swim Devon, Surfers Against Sewage and Charlie's Beach School, who provided expertise and activities throughout the day.
Learning and Creating for the Environment
Alongside the beach clean, students explored the impact of pollution on the ocean and discussed ways to reduce waste both at home and in school. Inspired by what they learned, students created environmental artwork with Charlie's Beach School and wrote letters to their local MP sharing their ideas on how communities can reduce, reuse and recycle more effectively.
The event also encouraged students to develop a greater appreciation for Exmouth's two-mile coastline and the importance of protecting it for future generations.
School's Commitment to Community
As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Exmouth Community College is committed to nurturing responsible, community-minded young people. The beach clean is one example of how students are encouraged to take action on issues that matter and become positive changemakers in the world around them.
Headteacher Praises Student Effort
Tom Inman, headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: "The day was a fantastic example of young people taking action, working with community organisations and using their voices to make a positive difference. We are very grateful to Sea Swim Devon, Surfers Against Sewage and Charlie's Beach School for their support in making the day such a success."
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, added: "We are incredibly proud of our students for showing such enthusiasm and commitment to protecting their local environment. Not only did they remove waste from the beach, but they also engaged thoughtfully with wider environmental issues and considered how they can be part of the solution."
