Learners at Alberton High School swapped traditional school bags for creative alternatives, bringing their books in everything from buckets to wheelbarrows.
Johannesburg, South Africa (30 March 2026) – This is bound to bring all the laughs and creativity, too. Classrooms at Alberton High School looked a little different, but for all the good reasons.
The school’s “Anything But a School Bag” day turned an ordinary school morning into a full-on display of creativity, as learners arrived carrying their books in just about everything except a traditional school bag.
And they did not hold back!
From buckets to suitcases. It didn’t stop there. Some learners pushed the idea even further, showing up with wheelbarrows, trolleys, and even baby prams to get their books from home to class.
One learner managed to turn a tyre into a carrier. There were trays, cones, and boxes in the mix too. While the day was all about fun, there were still a few ground rules, keeping things safe, practical, and school-appropriate. But within those limits, learners had the freedom to get as creative as they wanted.
For a day, the usual routine made way for something lighter, giving learners a chance to have fun.


What were some of the creative alternatives students used instead of traditional school bags?