The session began with a series of reflective questions designed to encourage students to think critically about sustainability within school life. Questions included: What is thrown away the most in our school? How much green space does your school have? How do most students travel to school? and On a scale of 1–10, how well do your friends take care of the environment? These prompted thoughtful discussions and highlighted the importance of environmental awareness in everyday actions.

Miss Carran shared valuable insights into the role sustainability plays in our daily lives and introduced the GLT Environment and Sustainability Policy. The policy reflects GLT’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across all areas of school life. Students also learned about the inspiring initiatives taking place across GLT schools, including the use of paper plates and cups in canteens, the introduction of beehives, tree-planting projects, gardening committees, and flower-growing schemes to enhance school environments in environmentally friendly ways.

Greenshaw students proudly shared examples of sustainability initiatives already taking place within our own school community. These included;

• Our chef grows fresh produce for use in school lunches.

• The installation of solar panels.

• Sustainability education within Year 9 Geography lessons, where students explore the meaning of sustainability and the importance of protecting the future for generations to come.

• Eco Club is currently preparing an assembly for World Ocean Day next month. 

• Following the recent Earth Day assembly, students reflected on practical ways they can contribute to protecting the planet. Building on this momentum, the school is organising a litter pick as part of the annual The Big Help Out. 

• Another exciting proposal from the School Council is to introduce a second-hand uniform shop, which would both support families facing financial pressures and encourage more sustainable practices.

Looking ahead, one of next year’s GLT’s key aims is for GLT schools to collaborate on a shared sustainability project, allowing students to work together to make a wider positive environmental impact. Greenshaw have already begun this as our Green Team has been supporting Tweedale Primary School in establishing a gardening club by volunteering their time, lending tools, and working alongside younger students.

The meeting concluded with the launch of an exciting Pumpkin Challenge. Students are encouraged to plant pumpkin seeds in May and submit photographs of their progress during the autumn term. We have already registered for the challenge, and seeds will soon be distributed to the Eco Council ready for planting.

Liyah-Rose, Josephine and Shayne, Year 10