SCHOOL children have immersed themselves in learning about how they could become climate change champions as part of the Great Big Green Week.

Last month communities across the country came together for the week long activities during September 18 to 26, the largest event for climate and nature ever seen in the UK.

Downsview Primary and Nursery School, in Biggin Way, is committed to raising awareness about the climate change challenge and hosted a Great Big Green Fair which was a culmination of week of eco learning.

Children in the youngest years planted seeds in the hope of growing their own vegetable garden as well as learning about recycling, by making new paper from old paper.

There was nature walk around the school and fallen leaves were collected to create art work while other pupils enjoyed a mini beast hunt, seeking out the creepiest crawlies they could find. 

After their walk and discussions, the children wanted to write an Eco Pledge together.

Older years learned about the advantages of using solar energy and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and wildlife and investigated different types of renewable energy.

Further up the school pupils discussed crude oil, its uses and the impact of oil spills on the environment and local communities focusing on the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill which effected thousands of miles of ocean and coastline across the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.  

Students also looked at renewable energy, plastic pollution and up-cycling materials learning how plastic does not decompose and how single use plastic destroys our environment. 

As a year group, they decided everyone needs to reuse and recycle more.

At the Eco–Fair pupils, staff and other members of the public celebrated how communities and organisations are taking action to tackle the climate emergency and protect green spaces. Downsview received a grant from the charity ‘The Climate Coalition’ to host the event.

Head teacher Meghan Pugh said: “For Downsview to be asked to be a part of this event was a very prestigious honour. Their hope was to raise the profile of climate change and show why it is relevant to the community and local decision makers. 

“The school also wanted to give a platform to small, local sustainable businesses to promote their products and ideas, and for the community to explore different ways of consuming that help protect the planet and protect ourselves.”

For more information about the sustainable companies who were involved in the Eco fair visit
www.downsview.croydon.sch.uk/great-big-green-week

OPEN DAYS

Downsview will be hosting open days between
9am and 10.30am on November 3, 17 and December 2. Headteacher’s welcome talk at 9.15am, no registration required.