Eco Matters

Clifton High School’s vision for fostering environmental sustainability is rooted in the core values of curiosity, empathy, love and direction; elements that shape our young minds to embrace their roles in tomorrow’s world by empowering them to care deeply, think critically and work collectively. Upholding this responsibility cultivates eco-conscious, compassionate and innovative leaders to consider a healthier planet as part of their DNA.

We weave the threads of our values through the Sustainability Programme in the following ways:

Curiosity

Our education ignites a passion in the environment with teachers believing that at the root of any learning experience is curiosity. An innate desire for children to understand the natural world is one that we explore as a teaching community to bring awareness and overcome challenges that concern eco-systems and issues, climate change and environmental waste.

Opening our pupils' eyes to the beauty of the natural world and their role in preserving it with open minds makes them both interested and interesting, with an instinctive curiosity to asking the more profound questions of what they can do to help.

- Will Phelan, Head

Incorporating nature into our curriculum learning is interactive, whether it be through on-site outdoor classroom experiences where children can have hands-on involvement in cultivating honey from our beehives to participating in rewilding and gardening learning. We are proactive in utilising our bespoke Co-Curricular Programme to include an extensive adventure schedule that incorporates external trips to Belmont Estate or further afield or bring awareness for children to observe, explore and question their learning. All sustainability studies, whether they be in or out of the classroom, address real-world environmental challenges with issues being brought to the surface that engage children in the consideration of creative and critical solutions. The research, investigation and analysis required in these exercises encourages a sense of curiosity; giving pupils the ability to unite as a community whilst also considering the consequences of their own actions and how they can either, collectively or individually, make a difference. 

Empathy

A culture of empathy at Clifton High School empowers our children to take meaningful action that may impact not only the environment, but also humanity, animals and future generations. Every choice, no matter how big or small, are efforts that do not go unseen - whether it is turning off lights, limiting water consumption, reducing plastic waste or donating to food and clothes banks – all contribute to driving positive change whilst inspiring others. 

Empathetic environmental learning within the classroom helps pupils connect with global issues and gain an insight into the vulnerability of communities worldwide. Topics include the effects of deforestation, wildlife conservation, the protection of indigenous populations and the preservation of marine life.  On a local level, initiatives are often practical such as tree planting, beach clean-ups, recycling drives and community-based projects, all of which develop connections with a sense of care and commitment to living sustainably. 

Love

A genuine love, rather than an obligation, for nature is developed from our early year’s education through to the Sixth Form.  All pupils are encouraged to cherish the environment, consider their carbon footprint and advocate for the protection of the planet. Pupils’ love becomes a powerful motivator for change, celebrating nature through creative pursuits in art, music and storytelling projects that deepen their friendship bonds and raise awareness to those around them.  A love of learning is all part of the powerful cycle of care at Clifton High School. 

Direction

Driving change is crucial in guiding Clifton High School pupils as they become focused on sustainability, helping advocate a sense of direction for others to become accountable and responsible in their personal endeavours. Under the leadership of our Eco-Committee members, children learn to set individual goals that are both achievable and motivating, igniting their passion for environmental protection. The Eco-Committee's underlying aim is to inspire community members to advocate sustainability in their own lives by organising a series of campaigns aligned with the School’s vision to become a more environmentally friendly and sustainability-conscious School. 

THE ECO COMMITTEE

Clifton High School's focus on environmental education helps shape the next generation of leaders and global citizens, realising the urgency of climate conservation to respond towards a more sustainable future. 

Our current Year 13 Eco and Sustainability Lead, Katie, meets with the Eco-Committee and Mr Will Phelan, Head of School, at the start of the academic year to present and agree Clifton High School’s future eco-aims and to establish our overarching ‘aims’ listed below:

The Eco-Committee meet on a weekly basis and under the supervision of Mrs Laura Giles, Head of Geography and Mrs Amy Schmid, Teacher of Geography, they are responsible for our on-going environmental undertakings. They remain committed to the cause of guiding pupils on the journey of service and sustainability through projects that include:

TRAVEL

An awareness of travelling actively is integral to Clifton High School’s overriding sustainability concept and one that sees a positive and continued percentage increase in community members engagement.  Active travel links easily with the School’s efforts to introduce car sharing, cycle-to-work schemes, bicycle maintenance, scooter/bike training and storage provisions. These community-led initiatives are often facilitated by surveys and tie in with reducing our communities’ carbon footprint, carbon emissions, air quality efforts and the promotion of sponsored awareness walks. 

REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE

Recycling is an on-going project that does not go unseen in the sustainability vision of our whole community. Whether it be litter-picking, a reduction of printed materials and print waste, utilising recycling bins and an overall understanding of food waste that, in turn, helps our Food and Catering Team identify how they can offer quality, locally sourced food with a sustainable approach to supply and demand. Even our Christmas Jumper Swap Shop is an opportunity to reuse, reduce and recycle!

BIODIVERSITY

Maintaining biodiversity is a long-term vision at Clifton High School and one that develops and maintains efforts both in-house and with partners. Children are engaged in planting and replanting schemes, building new habitats including bird feeders, planters, wormery and ant farms. The longstanding, on-site beehives are an exciting and unique installation that produces our own honey, maintained by in-house staff members who are passionate and enthusiastic about the part they play in our children’s learning, 

Clifton High School has been presented with The Green Flag Award from the organisation, Eco-Schools, for three consecutive years, achieving Distinction in 2023. Our investment in eco-campaigns is an undertaking that helps us work towards the School’s long-term responsibility towards sustainability and environmental change. This is realised through our annual ‘Bright Green Day’ – a day of whole School eco-activities – and other national and global level events including: 

Sustainability and environmental awareness are commitments that Clifton High School recognises as a shared responsibility. 

The Clifton High School Foundation are devoted to sustaining and expanding our efforts and their 150th Anniversary Appeal aims to Fund the Future by leaving a greener School for future generations by improving our estate and introducing new facilities across the campus to meet our environmental, ethical and social responsibilities. 

We encourage all members of our community to contribute their support and ideas as we continue to raise awareness and educate our pupils.  For further information, please contact Mrs Louise Brennan, Estates and Operations Director, via email: lbrennan@cliftonhigh.co.uk.