Caring for Our Environment

Why do we need to care for our environment? 

We all know that the world is changing. The irrefutable proof of climate change is both alarming, urgent, and is the future that our students will inherit. As individuals this global problem can seem to be an insurmountable task, but when we come together as a community to each make small but meaningful changes, our potential is limitless.

I personally value the environment greatly by cycling to work, making a concerted effort to recycle and eating a vegetarian diet to name just a few. I am passionate about the environment we live in, and as a geographer and the head of PSHE and Student Voice I help our students to understand why we need to act, and how we can all make a positive impact on the world we live in.

How do we teach our students to care for the environment?

We teach our students about the importance of the environment through various subjects, the main one being Geography of course. Students start by learning about flooding in year 7. They then go on to learn about global environmental issues in year 8 such as plastic in oceans, deforestation and climate change. They build on this in year 9 by studying urban environments and environmental issues that they may face. The GCSE and A Level courses are also filled with various environmental units.

We also engage with these issues outside of the classroom, as recently demonstrated by celebrating World Earth Day as a whole school community on April 22nd. Our students learned about investing in our planet and the importance of this.  As a whole school community, we came up with a list of ways in form groups on how we can protect our environment and do more here at Our Lady’s. Of the many suggestions we Introducing a compost bin was one of the many suggestions or simply walking to school sometimes instead of taking the bus.

We also arrange guest speaker visits and field trip excursions. Some are planned for this summer term which is exciting for our girls especially after a lack of trips in previous years due to Covid - 19. Year 10 students are due to investigate the built environment in Brick Lane and how gentrification has impacted this.

What can you do to help us to become positive climate changers?

If you want to find out more about how you can make a difference, or have ideas for projects you want to undertake, please speak to me or your student council representative.

Ms E Neary, Geography Teacher, Head of PSHE & Student Voice Lead