Students from Camborne Science and International Academy travelled more than 6,000 miles to Japan to take part in the Rits Super Global Forum 2019.

In preparation for the event, hosted by Ritsumeikan High School, in Kyoto, CSIA students researched the problems relating to plastic waste and created research posters to take to the conference to share with students from other schools around the world.

Tamsin Hosking, teacher of PE at CSIA, said: “This event is a humanities conference that allows students from different countries all over the world to come together to learn through cross-cultural activities to find future-orientated solutions to current global issues.”

“The theme of this year’s event was ‘Towards a Better World: Reducing Problems related to Plastic Waste’ – an incredibly emotive and topical issue which is affecting us all right now.”

"More than eight million tonnes of plastic is dumped into the oceans every year and is killing more than 1.1 million seabirds and animals. “With this in mind, the students aimed to work together to create solutions to this world-wide crisis.”

Students also had plenty of opportunities to explore the many sights of Japan and experience its rich culture and heritage.

The group visited Kyoto City and Arashiyama, exploring local temples and other important sights during their stay. A highlight was the traditional boat cruise through the mountains into Arashiyama ending in a visit to Monkey Mountain. Students were accommodated by their Japanese peers from Ritsumeikan High School throughout their time in Japan and made lots of new friends from other countries.

Lauren, in Year 12, said: “It was the most amazing trip – our homestay families made us feel so at home and gave us such a great insight into the Japanese culture which is so special.”

Principal at CSIA, Ian Kenworthy, added: "Never before have we had such huge awareness of the environmental issues that are affecting our planet. It was very humbling to see our proactive and ambitious students working with their peers from across the globe to tackle a crisis which is impacting us all.

"This is a generation challenging their parents on the environment and plastic waste, so it’s incredible to be able to give them the opportunity of the Global Forum to be inspired by others, share ideas and build on the momentum they already have for the environment and tackling plastic pollution.”