Last week, College of North West London took part in a huge litter-picking and shoreline clean-up at Brent’s Welsh Harp Reservoir for the UK’s biggest sustainability competition, Planet Earth Games.
The Clean Water Project was supported by The Canal and Rivers Trust, and involved both 16-18 and adult ESOL learners.
Shelley Bennett, ESOL Lecturer at College of North West London, organised the event and produced a detailed workbook to informed volunteers about marine conservation on the day of the clean-up. She said: “Everyone involved got stuck in and really enjoyed using their grabbers to fill up bin liner after bin liner. The weather was perfect, and the lake was surrounded by woodland full of songbirds and friendly dog walkers. Students worked diligently to remove the vast amounts of rubbish had accumulated by the water’s edge over winter and transform the area for the wildlife & water animals that live there. ”
The Welsh Harp reservoir clean-up helped to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect local ecosystems but also empowered students to become active players in building a more sustainable future. By participating, students developed valuable employability and life skills, including leadership, communication, and teamwork, to digital literacy and negotiation.
The Planet Earth Games is a nationwide competition centred around the United Nations sustainability goals. It challenges students and staff to engage in sustainability-themed activities, promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle while raising awareness of environmental issues. Colleges that take part must create their own challenges and measure their progress by scoring points and earning badges.
College of North West London and City of Westminster College are among colleges across the UK competing in this year’s games. Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22nd 2025.
“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.”
