As part of our commitment to climate change, students here are involved in a city-wide initiative led by the Bristol Educational Partnership to reduce carbon emissions and protect wildlife.

Last week, this saw our elected Green Representatives from Years 8 to 13 join students from ten other Bristol schools at a conference at the University of the West of England.

This educational forum followed a visit to the M-Shed the previous week, when students heard from local, environmentally-aware businesses, and were tasked with effecting change within their own school communities.

Our team of 9 students has developed an action plan and on behalf of the group, Alice (Y8) and Lucy (Y12) presented their ideas to a large audience of students and adults. This included the Bristol Youth Mayor, Bristol Councillors and the BBC’s Blue Planet cameraman Doug Allen.  

As Councillor Anna Keen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said, “We see across the country that younger generations are developing a strong and passionate voice in the conversation about the climate emergency. These ‘Climate Challenge’ projects take this a step further by engaging young people and creating practical solutions that schools and communities can utilise to be climate friendly. I hope they inspire individuals and organisations to do the same.”

New ideas developed by this team and currently being implemented include meat-free Mondays, the introduction of a bee colony, increased recycling, better waste management and regular clothes swaps. 

Speaking of this important work, Assistant Head Dr England said, “Our Sixth Form Environmental Captains and Green Representatives from across the school have been instrumental in developing practical initiatives to address climate change. They have carefully considered what we can do and have worked hard to implement it.

“I have been deeply impressed by the girls’ engagement with this project, and the real, grass-roots impact they are having.”