From 2 to 5 June, our school celebrated Environmental Week with a range of activities designed to encourage environmental awareness, creativity and problem-solving. Students participated in meaningful initiatives that highlighted the importance of sustainability, culminating in an exciting project-based drop-down day where Year 7 and 8 students collaborated to create innovative solutions linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Wellness Wednesday activity for the week saw students contribute to an Eco Pledge Wall. Students wrote personal pledges outlining actions they would take to help protect the environment. These pledges were displayed on paper hand cut-outs and arranged around a notice board featuring the inspiring message, “These Hands Will Change the World.” The display served as a powerful reminder that small actions can make a significant difference.
On Friday, Year 7 and 8 students took part in a special drop-down day centred on independent project-based learning. Working collaboratively in small groups, students selected from five engaging projects, all linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, designed by Dr Terence McAdams and supported through the use of AI tools. The project options included Story Makers, where students created an original illustrated children’s book; Under Trial, which challenged students to develop and present an ethical debate case; Ocean Clean Up, where students designed an ocean-cleaning computer game using Pygame in Python; Venture, which involved launching a social enterprise complete with branding and a website; and Whose School?, where students constructed a 3D model of a redesigned school space tailored to the needs of a specific community group.
Over six lessons, students demonstrated impressive resilience, teamwork and determination as they developed their projects. They were supported throughout the day by a fantastic team of Year 12 students: Amanda H., Esther L., Hana K., Khant N., Kin C., Ken W., Ming L., Tsz L., Xin N., Yeuk L. and Zi Hui L. During Lesson 8, students proudly showcased their work in the dining hall, impressing staff and peers alike with the quality and creativity of their final projects.
Environmental Week was a tremendous success, providing students with opportunities to think critically about sustainability while developing valuable skills in collaboration, creativity and innovation. A huge thank you goes to Dr Terence McAdams for designing the projects, the Year 12 student mentors and all staff who supported the event. Most importantly, congratulations to all Year 7 and 8 students for their outstanding efforts and achievements.
Mrs Jennifer Garnett & Mrs Katherine Fowler
Assistant Headteacher, Wellbeing and Behaviour & Deputy Headteacher, Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing