Mrs Newton led a memorable eco assembly with a powerful message for our children, and one we are keen to share with our whole community. The assembly began with a powerful visual using an apple to represent the Earth, helping pupils understand just how limited our usable planet really is.

The apple was cut into exact fractions:
¾ of the apple represented the Earth’s water, most of which is ocean.
The remaining ¼ represented land.
Of that land, ⅓ was cut away to show land that is unusable for humans (such as deserts, mountains, and polar regions).
From what remained, only a very small fraction of the apple represented land that can actually be used to grow food, build homes, and support life.

This simple but striking demonstration helped children realise how little of the Earth we depend on and why protecting it matters.

Building on this, pupils learned exactly what can and cannot be recycled in Wokingham green bags and Reading red bins, focusing on common mistakes that can contaminate recycling. Children discussed how items such as plastic bags and plastic straws, when put into recycling incorrectly, can cause entire loads to be rejected.

The assembly then took an exciting turn with an “I’m a Celebrity” style bush-tucker challenge, with an eco twist. In two teams, children completed an obstacle course to collect items and decide whether they belonged in the recycling bin. Each correct item earned a house point, while every incorrect item resulted in a minus point. The challenge was energetic, engaging, and reinforced learning through teamwork and quick thinking.

This led into an important discussion about microplastics. Children learned that plastics that are not recycled properly break down into tiny particles called microplastics. These particles are now found in our oceans, rivers, soil, wildlife and even in the food we eat and the water we drink. Microplastics do not biodegrade and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years, causing harm to animals and ecosystems. The key message was clear: we cannot continue with our current habits without serious consequences.

The assembly strongly linked to the Abbey Learner Profile characteristic of being principled. Children were encouraged to reflect on what it means to do the right thing even when no one is watching—whether that is choosing the correct bin at home, avoiding single-use plastics, or challenging poor recycling habits respectfully.

We hope this learning continues beyond school, empowering our children to become principled, responsible citizens who understand that small actions taken every day can make a big difference to our planet’s future.