Atlantic Academy pupils to get involved in a special project aimed at getting young people more involved in the climate change debate

‘Portland 4 the Planet’ is a new pilot project for students at Atlantic Academy.

Through the project students will learn about the key environmental problems facing the world, including climate change, biodiversity, food, pollution and single-use plastic, but with a focus on the solutions and how they can help.

The aim is to inspire, empower and support young people to work together and independently in order to create their own campaign for change and lead the way on projects that will have a positive impact on both a local and global level.

Lesley Bishop, Principal of Atlantic Academy, told the Dorset Echo: “Atlantic Academy is excited to be part of the Portland 4 The Planet’s youth project.

“The project will involve 30 of our students who will focus on the current climate and ecological emergency.

“During the project our students will learn more about climate change, biodiversity and wildlife, pollution, single use plastic and sustainable food. They will also take part in conservation activities and volunteering, in addition to creating their own campaign. This is an extremely important topic that many of our students feel passionate about and Atlantic Academy is proud to be a part of it.”

Atlantic Academy will be working with local community groups Island Community Action (ICA) and Portland 4 the Planet in the project, which is supported by Portland Town Council.

The project has been funded by the #iwill youth social action programme through the Dorset Community Foundation.

ICA’s CEO, Kim Wilcocks, said: “We hope that together we can inspire and support more young people from all backgrounds across Portland to come together, find their voice and lead the way on environmental actions that help combat the current climate and environmental crisis.

“We are extremely grateful to #iwill and the Dorset Community Foundation for supporting our work, which we hope to expand for future years.”

The project will culminate in the Atlantic Academy Environmental Fayre on Saturday, July 11, featuring environmental films, activities, exhibitions, games, refreshments and students selling eco-friendly products.

The fayre’s highlight will be when students showcase their final campaigns to the wider community in a bid to secure pledges of support to take their ideas forward.