This term has been incredibly productive and inspiring for the SWPS Eco-Committee as they continue their journey towards creating a more sustainable future for the school and the community. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic work undertaken by the students, demonstrating their commitment to the environment and the fight against climate change.

A Successful Bikeathon for Charity In October, students put their pedals to the metal during the SWPS Bikeathon, raising over £1,500 for the Climate Action charity. This event not only promoted the benefits of sustainable travel but also showcased the dedication of our students to taking real action to protect our planet.

Green Flag Accreditation: Working Towards a Sustainable School As part of their application for the prestigious Green Flag accreditation for Eco-Schools, the Eco-Ambassadors conducted a thorough environmental review of the school. This involved assessing the current environmental impact and identifying areas for improvement. Building on their findings, they are now developing an action plan to make the school even greener.

November: Cut Your Carbon Month November saw the whole school come together for Cut Your Carbon Month, with 340 students actively participating in at least one of the six activities designed to reduce their carbon footprints. These activities included:

  • Making 5 miles of travel active (walking, cycling, or scootering).
  • Dropping household temperatures by 1 degree.
  • Buying nothing new for a month to promote reusing and recycling.
  • Swapping four baths for four-minute showers to conserve water.
  • Going vegan for a day to reduce emissions linked to food production.
  • Switching off non-essential electronic devices for one hour.

As part of this initiative, the Eco-Ambassadors organised a Clothes and Book Swap, encouraging students to reuse and recycle rather than buying new. They also delivered an engaging assembly across year groups to inspire participation and highlight the importance of small, individual actions in reducing carbon footprints.

Green Careers Week: Inspiring the Next Generation In November, SWPS celebrated Green Careers Week, hosting a special assembly featuring Dan Callaghan from Runnymede Borough Council. He shared insights into exciting career opportunities in the environmental sector and highlighted volunteering and work experience options at the council. This event sparked great enthusiasm among students, showcasing how they can turn their passion for the environment into meaningful careers.

Looking Ahead As the term comes to a close, the collective efforts of students, staff, and the Eco-Committee are building momentum towards achieving Green Flag accreditation and fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the school. Thank you to everyone who has participated and supported these initiatives – let’s keep up the amazing work!

Let’s continue working together to create a brighter, greener future for SWPS and our planet!