Breaking the Mould of Plastic Waste

Year 5 Prep pupils have enjoyed an exciting hands-on day learning about plastic pollution. The project was delivered as part of the sustainability element of their Ballerion Award, which encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment through trips and challenges in wild spaces, a conservation project and community service. It also strengthens Truro Schools’ commitment to the ‘Plastic Free Schools’ initiative.

The day began with a Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) Pupil Power Assembly, an online initiative that connects pupils from primary and secondary schools to help them care for our blue spaces: our rivers, oceans and other waterways.

This empowering annual event gives young people the tools and inspiration to take action on plastic pollution and become environmental changemakers in their school and community, and includes interactive activities and special guest speakers.

Mrs Knight then introduced Year 5 to Matt from One Blue Eye, who specialises in repurposing plastic waste. He aims to teach children about recycling, the circular economy, and keeping our oceans plastic-free. He was on site to help our pupils create a ‘ruler for life’.

Mrs Knight remarked, “This project highlights the importance of rethinking everyday items. The ruler is one of the last pieces of our stationery at Truro School Prep that is not yet fully sustainable. The long-term vision is to create a circular system in our school where broken rulers can be recycled and replaced, ensuring every pencil case contains treasured, sustainable tools.”

Matt explained how the rulers are designed to last a lifetime; if they get damaged or broken, they can be returned to him, where he will melt them and recast them to be used again.

Small groups were able to use the moulding machine to create their ruler. A very quick process, plastic chippings are put into the machine, melted at 230 degrees, and poured into the ruler mould. Pupils were engrossed in the demonstration and delighted in the opportunity to make a ruler themselves.

Pupils are all heading home with their own ruler, designed to be used throughout their Truro School journey, from Prep through to their senior school years.

Mrs Knight would like to encourage all pupils to save the plastic tubs from chocolates (Roses, Quality Street, Heroes, and Celebrations), especially as we get closer to the Christmas period. She has welcomed parents to drop these off at the Prep Office, to be recycled and used to create the next set of rulers.

A huge thank you must go to Mrs Knight, SAS and to Matt from One Blue Eye, and well done to our incredible pupils who are confidently stepping into the roles of ambassadors for the environment.