Written by Thea (12 MJ/JHB)
The Haberdashers’ Academies’ Trust South (HATS) and Habs Elstree Schools came together at Haberdashers’ Hall to dive into the topic of sustainability, considering how to make a positive environmental impact at school.
The day started with our keynote speaker, Jessica Ground, exploring the importance yet difficulty of small actions, as well as examining statistics on the recent heatwave, and how the climate is being affected by our actions. Other points on AI and implementing solutions into society created engaging discussions later in the day and helped to shape our Haberdashers’ Sustainability Pledge.
Following this, we divided into groups, mixing with students from different schools, and worked together to make origami butterflies. There were then four different workshops, which the groups rotated around. Each workshop was completely student-led, exploring the topics of recycling, food waste, nature and projects for schools.
Our Habs Elstree workshop (projects), led by Thea and Yuvraj (L6C3) involved students creating their own climate pledge, which was then written onto a cut out leaf. These leaves have been collated into one larger leaf and will be displayed at school. The students were also given the title of a project, along with a short brief, which they could carry out at school. They created a poster considering the impact, resources and support required to successfully carry out this project.
To conclude the day, each group came up with their own climate pledge to propose to the room. Once every student had voted for their favourite pledge, it was announced that the Haberdashers’ Sustainability Pledge was for students to have the opportunity to go on a litter-picking nature walk every half term. This pledge is achievable and impactful, as it encourages students to connect with their natural environment, as well as preserving it.
Overall, the day was a success, with a lovely atmosphere and opportunity for students to meet new people and work together on something meaningful. This is the first time that an event like this has been held at Haberdashers’ Hall; completely student-led with students collaborating across different Haberdashers’ schools.
We are so proud of creating such a fruitful event and look forward to what comes next for our Habs Elstree Green Team.
