Somersfield Academy graduating students are starting a new tradition — planting a class cedar tree that will be a long-term reminder of their time at the school.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students have begun an annual event at which the graduating class plants a tree on campus closest to the Diploma Programme building.

A statement from the school said: “The roots of the cedar tree shall always remain buried in the school’s earth as a symbolic gesture that Somersfield Academy has prepared its graduates with a solid foundation for them to embark on the next phase of their lives.”

It added: “As they planted this small tree to give life to nature, they also symbolised that they are all connected and their presence will be remembered for generations to come on this campus, as they take the first steps into their future paths into college, their careers, and adventurous endeavours.

“In the future, should our seniors decide to pay a visit, they will be reminded of their school experience and that this tree will forever unite them. Until the graduation when we all gather again, best wishes to the class of 2022.”

This year’s tree was was donated by Ciaran Keaveny, of CK Landscape Architecture & Consultancy Ltd.