Students at a west Dorset secondary school are celebrating a major award.

The Sir John Colfox Academy are celebrating after being awarded ‘Ocean Friendly School’ status by the Marine Conservation Society.

The school’s Blue Planet Club began working towards the award earlier this year after students discovered that if changes aren’t made by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean.

Jon Bunker, who leads the school’s Blue Planet Club, said: “I am incredibly proud of the effort students put into winning ‘Ocean Friendly School’ status for Colfox. They have shown a great commitment to the marine environment and a determination to try and reduce pollution to improve things locally – well done everyone.”       

Students began the challenge to win accreditation by exploring the problem of marine pollution.

They began by taking part in a seminar with Stephen Kelly of the Marine Conservation Society and then they examined items collected from the ‘Street to Sea’ litter pick, which was organized by the Bridport Litter Free Street Champions and the West Bay Beach Clean Group.

After completing a number of activities including litter picks and investigations, students were awarded ‘Ocean Friendly School Status.

 

Adam Shelley, Headteacher of the Sir John Colfox Academy, said: “Well done to everyone who has worked hard to make Colfox an Ocean Friendly School, we are very proud to win this accreditation.”