Published: Monday, 22nd September 2025
Year 5 pupils at West Winch Primary School ended the academic year on a high note — earning the title of Climate Champions from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
As part of a borough-wide schools competition, pupils from across West Norfolk took part in three interactive lessons exploring climate change and practical actions to reduce environmental impact at home and school. Their mission? To create campaigns that would inspire their school communities to take climate-conscious action.
The Winners:
- 1st Place – West Winch Primary School:
Awarded a weather station for a campaign full of practical ideas to engage students and families in climate action. - 2nd Place – Whitefriars Primary School:
Won books for their library, showcasing their creativity with an original comic strip tackling climate issues. - 3rd Place – Ashwicken Primary School:
Received a bug hunting kit, thanks to an engaging and well-produced campaign video.
All pupils who took part earned certificates and badges to recognise their efforts and commitment.
A Message of Hope and Innovation
Cllr Michael de Whalley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, celebrated the students’ achievements at the online ceremony: “Stopping climate change and protecting the natural world are tightly linked—and must be solved together. Innovation and creativity are key to tackling the challenges ahead.
“How we communicate ideas is vital to changing attitudes and actions. Your teamwork, enthusiasm, and positivity are the right way to tackle big problems.
Young people have a unique power to shift perspectives and lead by example. You’ve made a real impact—well done and keep up the excellent work.”
Amy Chatzidimitriou, Year 5 class teacher at West Winch Primary School, said:
“The children loved taking part in the Climate Champions project! They learnt so much about the causes of climate change and the negative impacts these changes are having on not only our world, but also the animals and people on it. Their creativity and enthusiasm for the cause shone through in their video presentation, and we are all incredibly proud of them and their achievements.”
About the Initiative
This free competition was a collaboration between the Borough Council and Groundwork East, a sustainability charity helping communities and businesses transition to net-zero and restore nature in a way that supports healthier, fairer, and greener lives.
It forms part of the council’s wider climate change strategy, following its 2021 declaration of a climate emergency. The council has committed to bringing its net zero target forward to 2035, with the ambition to explore whether an earlier date of 2030 is possible. The strategy outlines steps to reduce emissions, build resilience, and work collaboratively with local people and businesses.
To learn more and get involved, visit west-norfolk.gov.uk/climatechange