Powered-up kids surge to victory in Big Battery Hunt

St. Bede's Catholic Primary School in Kimberworth won first place in The Big Battery Hunt, organised by Duracell, for their commitment to recycling batteries.

Teacher Gavin Sharp said the whole school community at St. Bede’s had been enthusiastically collecting used batteries from families, staff, and the local community.

“Their relentless efforts to promote responsible battery disposal and recycling have significantly contributed to raising awareness about the environmental impact of hazardous battery waste,” he said.

The school finished first nationally and took a £3,500 cash prize.

Members of Class 6 - the top-performing class in the competition - each took home a trophy and a certificate.

Mr Sharp said: “Class 6's accomplishment serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through teamwork and determination.

“Moreover, individual star collector Jacob Tejada has garnered well-deserved recognition for his exceptional contributions to The Big Battery Hunt.

“As a token of appreciation for his remarkable efforts, Jacob has been presented with a brand new Nintendo Switch—a fantastic incentive to inspire further green initiatives not only within the school but also in the wider community.”

It’s not the first time St Bede’s has received national recognition for their eco-friendly efforts.

Last month, Class 5 took the runner’s spot in the UK National Filmmaking Competition organised by The Young People's Trust for the Environment.

Their thought-provoking film, titled Kick-out Single Use Plastic and based around the New York Stadium, saw them conducting in-depth research into the issues surrounding single-use plastic to understand its impact on the environment, before getting to grips with filming.

Head teacher Amanda Wassell said she was “immensely proud of our students, staff, and parents for their unwavering dedication to creating a greener future”.

She added: “This victory in The Big Battery Hunt is a testament to our collective commitment to sustainability.

“We will continue to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, inspiring our young minds to be the change-makers our planet needs.”

Mr Sharp said St Bede’s planned to use their prize money to build an outdoor classroom in the school’s woodland area to help develop the students love of outdoor learning.