Pupils at Radnor Primary School turned pre-loved clothes into catwalk creations as part of an ‘Eco-Eisteddfod’ that has seen the school recognised at an event that celebrated the range and quality of climate action – from bike buses to gardening projects, litter picks and energy saving initiatives – being taken in schools all across Cardiff.
Children at the school designed, created and modelled upcycled outfits in a fashion show to highlight the environmental impact of fast fashion and the importance of re-use. Fifteen teams took part in the activity, which used clothing donated by local pre-loved clothing boutique Déjà Vu.
The creative project formed part of a wider six-week programme of sustainability-themed activities that included pupils writing and performing ‘eco-raps’ and poetry, debating global issues, composing letters to the Senedd about active travel, and creating art from natural and repurposed materials in order to help them understand climate change through hands-on learning.
Headteacher, Lousie Williams, said: “My favourite experience during those 6 weeks was walking the corridors because you never knew what you were going to see – there was just so much joy and what the pupils produced out of it was really outstanding.
“The new Curriculum for Wales is all about authentic experiences and that’s certainly what the children got. The staff were so committed and so engaged with making sure the outcome of developing ethical and informed citizens was there for the children.
“I really think it will help the children at our school recognise that there are a vast number of things they can do to be eco-friendly and contribute to the wider world, and they’ll thrive on that and just take that idea and run with it.”
Radnor Primary’s work was recognised at a One Planet Cardiff Schools Celebration Event, held at Cardiff University, where the project won the Creative Sustainability Curriculum of the Year category as well as the overall One Planet Cardiff Schools Grand Prize.
The event brought together pupils and teachers from 16 schools across Cardiff to showcase the work schools are doing to tackle real-world environmental challenges such as waste reduction, active travel, and energy use, and to help pupils grow into engaged and informed citizens.
Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Dan De’Ath, said: “The creativity and enthusiasm shown both by our young people and the teachers in Cardiff’s schools is genuinely inspiring. Projects like Radnor Primary’s Eco-Eisteddfod show how climate education can be engaging, practical and empowering.
“What’s clear is that across Cardiff, pupils are not only learning about climate change, they’re also leading action in their communities on everything from reducing waste to rethinking how we travel and setting the standard for the future.”
Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: “The One Planet Cardiff School Awards are a real showcase for the work schools in the city are doing to integrate climate change into the curriculum, equip children across Cardiff for the challenges that a warming planet will bring, and help them grow into ethical and informed citizens.”
From bike buses, gardening projects, litter picks and energy saving initiatives to innovative classroom projects, the Council’s One Planet Cardiff programme aims to help schools embed sustainability into everyday learning and encourage long-term behaviour change.
The celebration event featured pupil-led exhibitions, interactive workshops and an awards ceremony recognising standout climate achievements across the city’s schools.
The full list of One Planet Cardiff Schools Awards winners:
Eco‑Committee of the Year – St Illtyd’s Catholic High School
Recognising committee that have shown outstanding commitment in driving sustainability and eco‑initiatives within their school.
Eco‑Schools Zero to Hero Award – Pentyrch Primary School
Celebrating a school that has made significant progress on its Eco‑Schools journey, showing impressive improvement and impact over a short period.
Eco Project of the Year – Adamsdown Primary School
Awarded to a school for delivering an innovative and impactful eco project that has made a real difference to their environment or community.
Creative Sustainability Curriculum of the Year -Radnor Primary School
Recognising a school that has creatively embedded sustainability across the curriculum, engaging pupils in meaningful and inspiring learning.
Best Recycling Improvement 2025/26 – Grangetown Primary School
Celebrating a school that has made the greatest improvement in recycling practices, reducing waste and promoting positive behaviour change.
WOW Travel Tracker – Cardiff School of the Year 2025/26 – Lakeside Primary School
Awarded to the school with the highest active travel rates in Cardiff over the last academic year, using data provided by Living Streets.
