Over the past several weeks, our Art Class Enrichment students have been working on a truly inspiring project, the creation of a large scale whale sculpture made entirely from reused plastic bottles. This initiative, rooted in artivism (art + activism), highlights not only the importance of environmental awareness but also the power of creativity and collaboration. The whale, carefully constructed from dozens of collected plastic bottles, stands as a powerful visual reminder of the impact plastic waste has on our oceans. By transforming discarded materials into something meaningful and eye catching, students have taken a stand for sustainability while demonstrating how small actions can contribute to a larger message.

A Sustainable Sixth Form in Action

This project reflects our ongoing commitment to becoming a more sustainable Sixth Form. Rather than allowing plastic waste to end up in landfill, students actively gathered and reused materials, giving them a second life. It’s a simple but impactful way of showing that sustainability doesn’t always require grand gestures, it can start with everyday choices. The whale itself symbolises marine life affected by pollution, encouraging everyone who sees it to reflect on their own habits and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

More Than Just Art: Building Skills for the Future

The plastic whale was created as part of a weekly enrichment programme, designed to give students opportunities beyond the classroom. Throughout the process, students worked together in teams, developing key interpersonal skills such as communication, problem solving, and collaboration. From planning the design to assembling the structure, each session required teamwork and creativity. Students learned how to share ideas, overcome challenges, and support one another, skills that are essential not only for academic success but for life beyond Sixth Form.