Broadoak students show community pride through litter picking

No matter the weather, a dedicated group of students from Broadoak Academy are out every Tuesday making a difference.

The Broadoak Litter Picking Club, led by Gemma Deal and now Teacher Active supply teacher Sophie Newton, has been running weekly for students in Years 7, 8, and 9.

The club was born out of the academy’s involvement in the Keep Britain Tidy campaign in April and has since grown into a valued part of the school’s commitment to community service.

Seven enthusiastic regulars now take part in the initiative, proudly cleaning up Broadoak Road and the external perimeter of the academy grounds.

Their work is about more than just cleaning up – it’s about taking pride in the local community. Students collect a wide variety of litter, and their finds have ranged from the everyday to the unexpected.

Recent collections include 111 cigarette butts, a metal street cleaning brush, a large rechargeable vape, and even a lone ping pong ball. In one impressive display of perseverance, students retrieved plastic waste lodged deep inside a roadside drain.

Sophie Newton praised the students’ dedication, saying: “These young people care deeply about their environment and community. Their commitment, teamwork, and positive attitude are inspiring.”

Gemma Deal celebrated the club and its impact. She said: “It’s not just about picking up rubbish – it’s about making a visible difference and encouraging others to do the same.”

The club is always welcoming new members, and you can find them at the Broadoak Road gates at 3.10pm every Tuesday.