The Portsmouth Academy’s young writers highlight climate concerns with powerful poetry

A secondary school in Portsmouth have been recognised for their commitment to environmental issues through a creative writing competition. 

The Portsmouth Academy, of St Marys Road, Fratton, decided to launch the competition to strengthen pupil’s awareness and engagement for their planet. 

The school are part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, who ran a trust-wide event called ‘Planet Protectors’, which encourages young people to participate in activities and initiatives about protecting the environment. 

Leaders at The Portsmouth Academy were keen to test the student’s writing skills with a brief to produce an impactful piece of poetry, themed around climate change. The poems were whittled down to seven finalists by a mystery judge who presented them with certificates. 

This was unveiled at the school to be Mark Waldron, Editor-in-Chief of The News, Portsmouth, who cast his expert eye over the high level of creative talent on display. Mark spoke of his personal honour of being appointed as judge, and the achievements of the students. 

"I was delighted to award the certificates and prizes to these wonderful students here at The Portsmouth Academy.” 

Reflecting on the wider impact of this competition, Mark was impressed with the dedication from students at The Portsmouth Academy, to contribute to something bigger than themselves. 

"Their creative talent to produce such impactful pieces of work is remarkable and they should feel so proud of their achievements. 

"Our environment and planet are so precious, and Planet Protectors is a brilliant initiative to get students actively engaged with a topic so important in today's world". 

Diana, a Year 7 student, was selected as the overall winner of the competition with her poem ‘The Ocean’s Cry’, a powerful exploration of the impact of water pollution. Writing about an issue so important in a waterfront city like Portsmouth, she commented on the dedication and commitment she had to show to take the crown. 

"I was trying really hard and it felt good because my work paid off. Writing (the poem) was time consuming but I’m glad because it raises awareness about plastic pollution”. 

Alongside the launch of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust’s sustainability strategy, which will see the organisation become net-zero by 2050, initiatives like this at The Portsmouth Academy help develop self-reflective thinking techniques for young people. 

Sarah Dedman, Principal at The Portsmouth Academy, reflected on the wider impact of the competition and praised the high level of engagement from pupils involved. 

“It’s brilliant to see so much wonderful engagement with our creative writing initiative this year, and Diana, Sugoud and Yasna fully deserve their accolades. 

“At The Portsmouth Academy, Planet Protectors was about more than just looking at environmental issues, it’s getting our students to understand the vital role they can play as active citizens in their local community and beyond. 

“We’re proud to work with our students to help them discover how they can aspire and achieve beyond the curriculum, and poetry remains such a powerful way to strengthen their voice as young people”. 

The school is looking forward to opening their doors later this year at their Open Event. Parents of children starting secondary school in 2027 can explore what The Portsmouth Academy have to offer on Thursday 1st October 2026, from 6-8pm.