Year 8 Student Wins National Recycling Design Competition
We are delighted to share that Isabelle E. (Year 8) has been announced as the winner of a national recycling competition run by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro).
The competition formed part of an educational programme designed to help Key Stage 3 students develop their understanding of sustainability and waste management. The challenge invited pupils from across the UK to create eye-catching artwork for a recycling bin, encouraging others to recycle more confidently and consistently.
Isabelle’s winning design stood out for its creative flair and clear environmental message, capturing attention while promoting positive action. The judges were particularly impressed by her imaginative approach and how closely her artwork aligned with the competition brief.
As part of her prize, Isabelle will receive an iPad to support her studies, and her design has been printed onto a new recycling bin here at the Senior School, helping to inspire our school community every day.
Learning about aluminium and the circular economy
Through the project, students also explored why aluminium is such an important material to recycle. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be recycled again and again without losing quality. Recycling aluminium also uses significantly less energy than producing new aluminium from raw materials, making it a great example of how small everyday actions can have a meaningful environmental impact.
Sustainability at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s, sustainability is an important part of school life. Alongside our wider environmental initiatives, pupils have opportunities to get involved through our Eco Council in the Junior School and the Eco Committee in the Senior School. Students also take part in practical activities such as litter picks in the local community, projects to improve biodiversity across our grounds, and initiatives that help us reduce food, packaging and paper waste.
Mrs Kakengi, teacher at St Mary’s School, said:
“Having been presented with a Green Flag Award for our environmental best practice, we’re committed to making sustainable decisions that benefit our school and set a good example for our students. Junior School pupils can join our Eco Council, while our Senior School has its own Eco Committee."
“Alongside organising litter picks in the local community, improving biodiversity across our grounds and embracing initiatives to reduce our food, packaging and paper waste, we carefully integrate sustainability into the curriculum. Harnessing the Bin-fluencers programme was a great opportunity to talk about the importance of recycling and its role in accelerating national progress towards a more circular economy."
“We’re thrilled for Isabelle and can’t wait to see her bin used by our pupils to help increase the school’s recycling capture rate.”
Congratulations to Isabelle on this fantastic achievement - we look forward to using her winning design in school.
February 2026