A special ‘pledgehog’ of pledges by pupils, families and staff helped a primary school in South Shields achieve the Live Simply Award.

The award, which was presented to SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, recognises its outstanding commitment to sustainability, community engagement and living in solidarity with the world’s poorest.

The school impressed the assessors with a wide range of thoughtful and impactful actions. Particularly notable was the way families and school governors were actively involved in the school’s sustainability journey. During the Big Lent Walk, the entire school community walked together to a local park and back, demonstrating unity and shared purpose.

Live Simply pledges were taken home, allowing families to decide together how they would contribute. These pledges were creatively displayed in school as part of a “Pledgehog” installation, symbolising collective commitment. Parishioners and residents of several local care homes joined school governors and the parish priest in events such as community CAFOD coffee mornings, further strengthening the school’s ties with its wider community.

Following the Live Simply assessment, which was carried earlier this term, the school was confirmed to have met all the criteria necessary to receive the award. The assessor met with Jenny Parker, the school’s Live Simply leader, headteacher Maria Butt, and several enthusiastic pupils including the head boy and head girl.

“The children spoke passionately about their involvement in CAFOD’s World Gifts initiative,” said Mrs Parker.

“A whole-school assembly featuring a CAFOD speaker launched the campaign, and each year group organised its own fundraising activities. Together, they raised an impressive £996 and thoughtfully selected gifts to support communities around the world.

“Another standout initiative was the school’s Disconnect to Reconnect day, where screens were set aside for a full day. Children explored alternative activities, and staff embraced the challenge of teaching without interactive boards. Staff and children learnt that limiting screen time helps us all to stay healthy, sleep better, and spend more time with others. It also encourages creativity and learning away from devices. Using less electricity helps protect the planet by lowering carbon emissions, saves money on energy bills, and teaches us to care for the world around us by building sustainable habits.”

Susan O’Halloran, CAFOD assessor, added: “The children’s enthusiasm and creativity were evident throughout the project, and their ideas for future actions show that the Live Simply ethos is firmly embedded.”

To celebrate this achievement, on his first visit to school as the new parish priest, Fr Anthony presented the school council with their Live Simply Plaque.

For more information about SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, visit www.sspeterpaul.co.uk

For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk

ENDS

Photo captions: SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School has achieved the Live Simply Award.

Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.