Resources for schools

Plastic’s Got Talent Competition

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Environmental Services team invite you and your class to take part in a fantastic competition!

Inspired by a ‘well-known’ family show, we are challenging school children to get creative by turning plastic into musical instruments and learn about plastic pollution at the same time. All music and photographs submitted through the competition will feature in ‘Strings Day’ as part of an Open Doors event at the National Civil War Centre on Saturday 3^rd May 2025.

We have three categories that we are awarding prizes for: ‘Best Score’, ‘Most Creative Instruments’ and ‘Breakthrough Class of the Year’.

All pupils in the three winning classes across the district will get to select their own book from a fabulous selection.

If your class would like to take part, download the resources for your key stage below to learn more.

KS1

Plastics Got Talent - KS1 Presentation [19,729kb]

Plastics Got Talent - Teacher Notes (PDF File, 300kb)

Plastics Got Talent - Plastic Collection Station Sign (PDF File, 141kb)

Plastics Got Talent - World Map (PDF File, 196kb)

Plastics Got Talent - KS1 Recycling Sort Game (PDF File, 908kb)

Plastics Got Talent - KS1 Recycling Sort Game Answers (PDF File, 108kb)

Plastics Got Talent - Pledge Against Plastic Pollution Cards (PDF File, 179kb)

KS2

Plastics Got Talent - KS2 Presentation [24,749kb]

Plastics Got Talent - Teacher Notes (PDF File, 300kb)

Plastics Got Talent - Plastic Collection Station Sign (PDF File, 141kb)

Plastics Got Talent - World Map (PDF File, 196kb)

Plastics Got Talent - KS2 Recycling Sort Game (PDF File, 1,254kb)

Plastics Got Talent - KS2 Recycling Sort Game Answers (PDF File, 126kb)

Plastics Got Talent - Pledge Against Plastic Pollution Cards (PDF File, 179kb)

Simpler Recycling Resources

The Environmental Services team have created a suite of fun and interactive resources for primary and secondary schools to help pupils and staff understand what new items will now be recycled in school under the 'Simpler Recycling' government legislation.

If you would like to make use of these resources, please download the relevant documents for your school.

Simpler Recycling Resources for Primary Schools

There are two versions of the resources, one using cartoons which may be more suitable for younger pupils and one with photographs which teachers of older pupils may prefer.

Please download the instructions, answers and character cards to accompany all presentations and games.

Recycling Resources Instructions (PDF File, 294kb)

Recycling Games Answers (PDF File, 164kb)

Games Character Cards (PDF File, 308kb)

Simpler Recycling Bin Posters

Coming soon!

Standard Recycling Resources

For schools that are continuing with their 'Standard Recycling' service until 1st April 2026, we have a range of resources for primary and secondary pupils.

If you would like to make use of these resources, please download the relevant documents for your school.

Standard Recycling Resources for Primary Schools

There are two versions of the resources, one using cartoons which may be more suitable for younger pupils and one with photographs which teachers of older pupils may prefer.

Please download the instructions, answers and character cards to accompany all presentations and games.

Recycling Resources Instructions (PDF File, 294kb)

Recycling Games Answers (PDF File, 165kb)

Games Character Cards (PDF File, 311kb)