Year 8 Defend the Planet

Tammy Quinn / 24 March 2026 / Categories: General

On Wednesday 11^th March 25 excited Year 8 high ability students started their Extraordinary Minds journey at Nelson and Colne College. This is a 4-year programme that runs until Year 11.

Alongside other Pendle Schools, students focused on becoming 'Defenders of the Planet'  and looking at ways in which decisions we make today, have an impact on future generations.

Students attended three seminars; the first one was all about climate change and the impact this is having on our planet. The second session looked at the contributors to climate change including burning of fossil fuels with methods of transport and the fast fashion industry of today.

The third session talked about sustainability and the ways in which we could influence society to adapt or adopt new ways of working, for example recycling and upcycling.

In groups, students selected one method that they would choose to prevent climate change from getting worse in the future. They were tasked with create an idea, designing a campaign including a poster with their main ideas, and then delivering this in a presentation to the whole group. Students then had to handle questions from the audience and defend their idea.

Prizes were awarded for each school, Marsden Heights’ winners included:

• Best idea -  Ayaan C, Zoraiz N and Raihan H won for the best developed idea that had been shared with the group; 
• Best speaker - Mustafa I won for his speaking skills in the presentation section; and 
• Best questioner - Ali AS won for listening well and posing probing questions to the presenters.

Mrs Burgoyne was so impressed that she presented an extra prize:

• Best slogan - ' Create a Buzz' created by Rejoice, Iman, Noorulayn and Aminah.

Mrs Burgoyne, More Able Lead, said:

“Congratulations to everyone who took part, you created some excellent ideas.  Now the plan is for them to approach Mr Delve to get them up and running - lets 'Defend our Planet at MHCC!”