STUDENTS joined a global protest recently as part of the Youth Strike 4 Climate protest to highlight how much they care about the world and their future.

Around 300 staff and students at John Kyrle High School in Ross-on-Wye organised an innovative way to register their involvement, assembling on the school tennis courts in a formation which represented a view of Earth from outer Space.

Operational headteacher David Boyd took photos of the display from the roof above the school’s main building, while Neil Pritchard, head of the drama department, operated a drone which took some eye-catching footage.

A photo was posted on the school Twitter feed and students were invited to retweet it as many times as possible in order that the message be shared that JKHS students want their voices heard as part of the climate change movement.

The student-led eco club are active in promoting positive environmental action in the school and were heavily involved on Friday.

A school spokesman said: “Individual actions, such as avoiding single-use plastics, can have a big impact if enough people take them.

“It is hoped that Friday’s photograph will send a message that JKHS students are engaged in the climate change campaign.”

Meanwhile, Alex Atock, 18, from Coleford, was among 70 pupils at Monmouth School for Girls who also called on the government to declare a climate emergency and take active steps to tackle the problem.

“We feel strongly that our voice is not being heard by business leaders and politicians,” said Alex.

Inspired by young climate activist, Greta Thunberg’s, speeches, the eco committee, actively supported by the school, co-ordinated the rally during lunch break.

Hundreds of children and staff at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools are working together to cut the amount of plastic they use.

The introduction of refillable water bottles and new packed lunches for sporting fixtures have, together with eco assemblies and competitions, increased awareness among the schools’ community.

Monmouth School for Girls and its Prep school have supported the town in achieving ‘Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Town’ status.

Mr Nick Meek, head of geography and eco committee co-ordinator at Monmouth School for Girls, was in line to receive a certificate at a plastic-free celebration, organised by the Plastic Free Monmouth steering group.

“Pupils are enthusiastic about reducing their use of plastic,” said Mr Meek. “We are working hard to reduce single-use plastic in the schools and to promote refillable water bottles.

“The prep school led the way by removing plastic bottles in their packed lunches and encouraging pupils to bring their own refillable water bottles. This initiative has now been extended to the senior school. 

“Miss Lou Scott, Director of Sport, has designed a new refillable water bottle for pupils to buy and she has also organised a large plastics recycling bin for the games pitches.”

Sixth form student, Myfanwy Fleming-Jones, has been working with Karen Wood, catering manager at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, to change packed lunches for sporting fixtures, to further reduce plastic.

“Water bottles, crisps and chocolate bars have been removed, and replaced with plant-based pasta pots, wooden forks and a school-made flapjack,” said Mr Meek.