Gibraltar College Level 1 learners took centre stage in raising awareness of environmental issues through their powerful, student-led “Sixth Extinction” Exhibition, developed as part of the College’s Project-Based Learning (PBL) programme and submitted to the Nautilus Project competition.

The exhibition explored the urgent global issue of biodiversity loss, with a particular focus on plastic pollution and its impact on marine life. Entirely designed and created by the learners, the project demonstrates both their creativity and their growing understanding of environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the exhibition was a striking whale tail sculpture made from recycled plastic bottles, symbolising the scale of ocean pollution. This centrepiece was complemented by a collection of imaginative sculptures representing marine creatures, all crafted from discarded materials such as plastic packaging and cardboard.

Visitors were guided through a series of informative displays researched and produced by the learners, highlighting the causes and consequences of plastic pollution, alongside practical steps individuals can take to make more sustainable choices.

The exhibition also featured an interactive element, with visiting students and members of the public invited to create their own artwork using recycled materials. A short video further showcased both the environmental themes and the learners’ creative process.

The event attracted strong community engagement, including visits from local primary schools. Younger pupils actively participated in the exhibition, engaging with the displays and collaborating with Gibraltar College learners, creating a vibrant and meaningful learning experience across age groups.

Mrs Sarah Jane Roberts, lead tutor for the project, said:

“I am incredibly proud of our learners and the commitment they have shown throughout this project. They have not only developed their knowledge and skills, but have demonstrated real perseverance, creativity, and a genuine passion for making a difference. What they have achieved is truly special. T they have taken ownership of their learning and transformed it into a powerful message that challenges us all to reflect and act.”

The Principal of Gibraltar College added:

“This exhibition reflects the very best of what education should be, engaging, purposeful and connected to the real world. Our learners have embraced the opportunity to contribute to a wider

community conversation around sustainability while developing key life skills that will support them in their future pathways.

It was particularly rewarding to see the enthusiasm from local primary schools. The interaction between learners of different ages reinforced our role as a community college, committed to lifelong learning and meaningful collaboration. Initiatives like this demonstrate how education can have a positive impact far beyond the classroom.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff who have supported this project. Their commitment, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond for our learners is what makes initiatives like this possible. Their dedication continues to have a lasting impact on both our students and the wider community.”

Minister for Education and Environment John Cortes said, “I was blown away by the impact of this exhibition the moment I walked into the room. It was incredibly effective, and the message was totally on point. This was incredible work by the students and of course the teachers and support staff".

The “Sixth Extinction” Exhibition stands as a strong example of how young people in Gibraltar are stepping forward to engage with global challenges and inspire positive change within their community.