Students and teachers at St. John’s are working to educate everyone in their community about climate change and are taking steps to really make a difference.
In only a few months several initiatives have been taken to make the school more eco-friendly and various events are planned for the next International Climate Day on September 20.
In a letter to parents and carers, Headteacher Ian Tucker (pictured above) wrote: “It is clear to me that there is a real and genuine passion for wanting to be actively involved in the climate change agenda from many of our students at St John’s.”
“This means a great deal to the staff here too, and I wanted to inform you what we have committed to – being a leading light as a school both locally and nationally.”
The school’s Head of Science, Mr Friend, has been appointed Environmental Change Leader and he is leading a committed team of students who have already organised assemblies to raise awareness of climate issues.
There are plans to show environmental documentaries in the Theatre at lunchtimes and to ensure environmental themes are discussed in lessons. Articles and top tips on how to be more environmentally aware will appear in the school newsletters.
As part of the quest to reduce plastic waste entering our seas, the school has supported the ‘Run for the Ocean’ initiative and encourages everyone to download the ‘Runtastic’ App.
There are plans to stop selling single use plastic bottles, straws or coffee cups in school and to sell re-usable bottles, suitable for exams, in their place. More water stations will also be made available in the school.
Other measures that the school is taking include: switching the school’s default internet search engine to Ecosia, ensuring there are clearly defined recycling points in all classrooms and offices, ensuring that IT systems power down as far as possible when the school is not in action and using recycled paper in all printers.
The school has also worked with the school uniform suppliers so that many recycled materials are used in uniform garments. For example, the school blazer is made from recycled plastic
Plans for the future include researching the better of use of environmentally friendly lighting, energy capturing technology and establishing a car share scheme for staff. From September there will be, as part of the school’s reward system for students, the introduction of Environmental College Points.
St. John’s is open to receiving ideas from students, staff, parents and carers. Ian Tucker explained: “This is an important issue and one we want you to know we are fully committed to supporting. I hope you get used to hearing a good deal more about it from us.”