Students from across the country put their creativity and environmental knowledge to the test as part of the Stop the Invaders! Key Stage 2 Mission, delivered through the Canal & River Trust and Education and Employers partnership.
The challenge invited pupils to explore the issue of invasive non-native species and submit an idea under one of two categories:
- Build Something – Design a tool, device, machine or app that could help track, identify or control invasive plants and animals.
- Tell People – Create a poster, sign or awareness campaign to educate others about the problem and encourage action.
Pupils were encouraged to develop ideas that were simple, realistic and practical, while demonstrating an understanding of the environmental impact of invasive species.
The response was fantastic, with 38 entries submitted by 168 students, showcasing a wide range of innovative designs, creative campaigns and thoughtful solutions.
To ensure the competition was accessible for younger learners, Key Stage 2 entries were judged at a whole-school level, recognising collective participation and creativity. Every school received detailed feedback from judges, highlighting the strengths of their submissions and opportunities for further development.
Congratulations to Our Winners!
🥇 1st Place: Hindley Green Community Primary School
Prize: STEM-related class trip worth up to £800
The judging panel praised the school’s submission:
“An exceptionally strong collection of entries demonstrating outstanding scientific understanding, excellent communication and a highly engaging ‘Wanted’ awareness campaign. The consistency and quality across all submissions made this the strongest overall KS2 entry.”
🥈 2nd Place: Ashwood Spencer Academy
Prize: £250 worth of STEM vouchers
The judges commented:
“A fantastic whole-school submission showcasing an impressive range of creative responses, including engineering concepts, posters, poetry, videos and awareness campaigns. The level of voluntary pupil participation and enthusiasm was particularly noteworthy.”
🥉 3rd Place: Iqra Primary School
Prize: £100 worth of STEM vouchers
The judges said:
“An impressive and diverse collection of entries demonstrating strong environmental awareness, creativity and enthusiasm. The pupils showed a clear understanding of the threat posed by invasive species and explored both awareness-raising approaches and innovative solutions. The quality across the submission is consistently high, with particularly strong visual presentation and imaginative thinking.”
Celebrating Creativity and Environmental Action
From inventive tracking devices and management tools to eye-catching posters and awareness campaigns, the challenge demonstrated how young people can apply creativity and problem-solving skills to real-world environmental issues.
A huge congratulations to all the schools and students who took part. Your ideas, enthusiasm and commitment to protecting our waterways show that the next generation is ready to play its part in tackling environmental challenges and caring for nature.
Gallery
Check out the winning entries here: KS2 Stop the Invaders Mission Gallery