Pupils from all of Thame's schools have joined forces for an "Anti-Pollution Revolution" - a groundbreaking clean air initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in Oxfordshire.

The Clean Air for Thame project is an ambitious, hands-on programme to better understand air pollution, explore its impact on health, and help create a cleaner future for the town. It is supported by Section 106 funding from South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC), co-ordinated by Thame Town Council and facilitated by CAG Consultants.

Through a series of interactive workshops pupils learned about the causes of air pollution, how it can affect health and wellbeing, and the practical steps people can take to reduce their exposure. But what makes the project particularly special is its pupil-led approach. Rather than simply learning in the classroom, pupils became air quality investigators, using hand-held monitoring equipment to measure pollution levels on streets around their schools and gather real-world data about the air they breathe every day.

Building on this work, Lord Williams’s School Year 7 and 8 Eco-Reps continued monitoring air quality throughout the winter and spring months. Their findings have now been used to create an innovative Clean Air Map of Thame, combining scientific data with artwork created by pupils from Barley Hill Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and John Hampden Primary School. Key findings showed that roads around their schools had higher pollution at drop off and pick up time than during the rest of the day.

In summarising the project solutions, the LWS Eco Reps ask: "Do you really have to drive every time?"

The Clean Air Map incorporates school locations, cycle lanes, green spaces and hand-drawn illustrations of local landmarks created by primary school pupils and highlights cleaner walking and cycling routes across the town, helping families make informed choices about their journeys to school.

The project has provided a unique opportunity for children and young people to see how science, creativity and community action can work together to make a difference. Students also worked alongside a professional graphic designer to develop eye-catching campaign materials, including banners and leaflets to help spread the clean air message across their town. The banners will be displayed at every school site in Thame, while the leaflets will be distributed to the school communities.

The new Clean Air Map is being launched during the week of 22nd June, and marks the culmination of months of learning, collaboration and investigation.

The Clean Air for Thame project demonstrates what can be achieved when schools, pupils and local organisations work together with a shared goal. By placing young people at the centre of the project, the initiative has not only generated valuable local air quality information but has also empowered a generation of environmental champions to take action in their own community. From collecting data and analysing results to creating artwork and designing campaign materials, Thame’s pupils have shown that they are ready to lead the anti-pollution revolution - and help create a healthier future for everyone. So, do you really have to drive every time?