SUSTAINABILITY
for the environment, is working with other staff members to find ways of incorporating themes allied to sustainability into lessons. Ideas may include debating the pros and cons of the continued use of fossil fuels for English classes, exploring the impact of climate change on growing sugar beet in the east of England for geography, or examining data about how rainfall patterns have changed locally in the last decade for maths. “All of a sudden, you can make a five-minute lesson all about the importance of harvesting rainwater – or not wasting it – and there are these threads of sustainability through the curriculum,” he enthuses. And age is not a barrier to getting involved at Stephen Perse Cambridge, where even three- and four-year-olds will start to understand the importance of clean water, washing your hands and sanitation – all themes linked to aspects of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. Making a difference In addition to learning about sustainability in the classroom, pupils are also becoming increasingly hands-on. Some of the initiatives involve direct action, like Framlingham College’s annual challenge to senior pupils to reduce their energy consumption by turning lights, sockets and appliances off and then measuring the impact on carbon saving – all measures enthusiastically embraced by the seven boarding houses. The school also runs Eco Week, which features guest speakers and environmental projects to raise awareness of the climate crisis and “get everyone involved with conversations about the future of our
SOW THE SEEDS Many schools take a hands-on approach, including Framlingham with its garden club (above) or Parkside Community College through its social action group (below)
Parkside students from the social action group joined other young people from schools across Cambridge to raise awareness of sustainability and stress the need to work together to protect and restore the world, attracting more than 2,000 visitors and much praise for their confidence, clarity and enthusiasm. That wholehearted commitment is also a feature of life at St Faith’s. Events include a nature-themed photography and poetry competition and sustainability workshops. Pupils are impressively keen to make a difference, whether that’s the Pre Prep gardening club growing pollinator- friendly plants in old wellies and making biodegradable plant pots out of newspaper, or the school’s Eco Committee volunteers in years 3-8, whose dedication includes working with younger children to help them look after their vegetable patches, as well as running an assembly to talk about their work. “In terms of sustainability this year, we have undertaken some great, meaningful projects that are not tick-box exercises,” emphasises Sarah Scott, eco coordinator at St Faith’s. Direct action has also featured at St Andrew’s College. The whole school got involved in the Cleaner Cambridge campaign, where students took part in a community litter pick. “It was a great way to do something practical and give back to the local area,” says the college. Of the many standout projects in our region, the restoration of Stephen Perse
planet and how we can be more eco- conscious,” says the school. There’s a similar desire to get the message across by the members of Parkside Community College’s student social action group. The group, whose support spans a range of issues including environmental action, made a splash with Destination Restoration II , an interactive exhibition featuring striking nature-themed artwork at this year’s Cambridge Festival.
There are threads of sustainability through the curriculum
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