Climate Change and Sustainability

At St Mary’s C of E Primary, we recognise that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and schools play a crucial role in fostering environmental responsibility and sustainability. As an institution committed to education and the well-being of future generations, we recognise the need for urgent action to reduce our environmental impact and inspire our students to be stewards of the planet.

 Through collaboration, education, and innovation, we will empower students to become leaders in climate action and environmental advocacy. This plan reflects our shared responsibility to protect the environment and ensures that sustainability remains at the heart of our school’s values and mission.

It is estimated that by 2030, the world population of 7 billion will demand three times as many resources as the planet can supply (One Planet Living® sustainability framework – Bioregional).

Meeting the needs of our global citizenry—ecologically, economically, culturally, spiritually, and more—requires understanding and creative problem solving.

The Our Schools, Our World programme has enabled St Mary's students to learn effectively about sustainability, climate change and the environment and to develop skills and understanding about how to address local and global challenges.

We believe the Our Schools, Our World programme has the power to transform lives and society. It informs and inspires and influences attitudes and motivates action. It isa key tool in expanding the environmental movement and creating healthier and more socially-engaged communities in our area and beyond.

Through education we have the privilege to be able to engage directly with young people who are passionate about the natural world, want to do their best to protect it and can influence their wider communities.

We will provide opportunities for them to be actively involved in initiatives, to see hope and to see themselves as changemakers. They will see their schools as organisations that operate in self-aware sustainable ways and they will also experience regular opportunities to connect deeply with nature.