A school is celebrating the next stage of its sustainability journey with an initiative that is placing nature, outdoor learning and environmental responsibility at the heart of school life.
A whole-school biodiversity project at Barrow CEVC Primary School this summer term will help children understand the importance of protecting plants, insects, birds and wildlife in their local environment.
The school, near Bury St Edmunds, joined the ‘Our Schools, Our World’ programme in partnership with Suffolk County Council in November, and has since made ‘significant progress’ in developing a long-term approach to sustainability.
A dedicated sustainability working party, made up of staff, governors and parents, is now helping to take the work forward.
As part of the project, the school has developed a sustainability action plan, completed staff and governor training, and created a new two-year rolling programme of sustainability themes linked to the school’s curriculum and its ‘Big Ideas’ curriculum drivers.
Pupils will take part in a range of age-appropriate biodiversity pledges and projects including planting wildflowers, creating bug hotels, improving habitats, conducting wildlife surveys and leading environmental campaigns.
Families are being encouraged to join in by making pledges about increasing biodiversity in their home environments and sharing their projects with the school.
Headteacher Helen Ashe said: “We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm our children have shown for caring for the world around them. This initiative is about giving pupils hope, knowledge and practical ways to make a difference.
“By learning in and about nature, children develop responsibility, curiosity and a lifelong respect for God’s creation.”
The school is also continuing to enhance its outdoor learning spaces, with further development of the school grounds planned this term.
Families will be invited to join in through home biodiversity pledges such as planting pollinator-friendly flowers, creating wildlife areas and exploring local green spaces together.
Upcoming highlights include the launch of the school’s new sustainability webpage and participation in National Outdoor Learning Day next month.
Mrs Ashe added: “Small actions can create big change. We want our children to know that they can be positive changemakers now and in the future.”