Weymouth Primary Schools’ Plastic Pollution Project on Display at SEA LIFE

Southill & Conifers Primary Schools join together for new conservation art project

Pupils from two Weymouth schools took part in a summer conservation project to learn more about plastic pollution in our seas. A group from Southill Primary School travelled to Conifers Primary School to design an art installation that promotes awareness for the dangers of plastic to the environment.

Emma Curtis, Teacher at Conifers Primary School, co-ordinated the project with Year 4 pupils:

“We wanted to bring the schools together and learn more about conservation in a creative way,” explained Emma. “The art project took place over two days, with different groups from both schools meeting to learn about the damaging impacts that plastic can have on our seas, and ways we can all reduce plastic use at home.”

The schools partnered with Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park, who are displaying the artwork, and themed the project around their colony of Fairy Penguins. Each student created a model of a Fairy Penguin using recycled single-use plastic bottles. They then chose a conservation message to write and display inside the ‘belly’ window of their penguin models.

Weymouth SEA LIFE has put the conservation model penguins on display around the waterfall inside their Fairy Penguin Island, with posters the schools also created to explain and credit the exhibit.

“It’s been great to work with local schools who feel so passionately about reducing plastic waste and protecting our seas,” said Tamsin Mutton-McKnight, General Manager of the Weymouth aquarium. “We no longer offer plastic straws and use only palm leaf plates and wooden cutlery to reduce plastic consumption at the park. Sowhen we were approached to display their artwork, we were keen to support their conservation project and to help showcase their fantastic artwork alongside our colony of Fairy Penguins.”

The children’s models can be seen on display at Weymouth SEA LIFE at least until the end of July. For more information about the park and their conservation work, please visit sealifeweymouth.com.