City of Westminster’s Maida Vale Campus participated in the “Planet Earth Games,” an innovative educational initiative designed to immerse students in the principles of environmental conservation and sustainability through engaging activities and games. Throughout the program, students explored various thematic areas including Waste Reduction, Conservation, Travel, Energy, Wellbeing, Connecting with Nature, Food, and Shopping.
The journey began with student groups collaborating and tapping into their creativity and digital skills to craft visually compelling posters representing each assigned theme.
The students truly enjoyed the hands-on exploration of themes such as Conservation, where they closely observed the lifecycle of plants from seed to sapling, meticulously documented each stage from germination to the growth of plumule and radicle, culminating in the development of seedlings and saplings.
Students skilfully repurposed discarded plastic bottles into eco-friendly planters, implementing self-irrigation systems to conserve water resources while simultaneously mitigating plastic waste. This hands-on experience not only underscored the importance of biodiversity preservation but also promoted a deep sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
The Wellbeing theme took a holistic approach, with students proposing rejuvenating Qigong sessions for both staff and students. Rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, Qigong offered a harmonious blend of meditation and movement, enhancing cognitive abilities, fostering balance, and alleviating physical discomfort. Through these sessions, students not only nurtured their own well-being but also cultivated a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness between body, mind, and nature.
One of the highlights of the program was the International Vegan Food Taster Day, where students embarked on a culinary journey, exploring vegetarian and vegan cuisines from around the world. By preparing and sharing dishes reflective of their diverse cultural backgrounds, students not only tantalized their taste buds but also sparked meaningful discussions about the nutritional value and sustainability of plant-based diets.
The Maida Vale campus’s “Planet Earth Games” embraced the philosophy of zero waste living as its guiding principle for addressing the theme of waste reduction. They evidenced their creativity and resourcefulness, students devising innovative ways to repurpose discarded materials. Old T-shirts found new life as woven rugs and baskets, breathing fresh utility into what was once deemed obsolete. Waste newspapers underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging as functional basket organizers, while discarded greeting cards and CDs were reincarnated as exquisite gift tags, bookmarks, and festive decorations. This approach not only minimized waste but also instilled in students a profound appreciation for the inherent potential in everyday items, underscoring the transformative power of sustainable practices.
Beyond acquiring theoretical knowledge, students redefined their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills as they tackled real-world environmental challenges. By actively participating in these activities, students developed a sense of ownership and commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. Armed with a deeper understanding of the ecological challenges confronting our world, they emerged as empowered agents of change, equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to champion the cause of environmental preservation.
The college came 4th in the further education category of this year’s nationwide competition. Congratulations to the students and faculty involved.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
