CLS has a deep commitment to sustainability. At the heart of our Strategic Vision is a recognition that the climate crisis will come to define everyone’s future, and that pupils and staff are passionate about the natural world and want to act to protect it.
Through learned and lived experiences we offer opportunities for the development of a broad knowledge and understanding of the importance of nature, sustainable behaviours and the causes and impact of climate change.
An antidote for the rise in climate anxiety amongst young people is to encourage and support them to take positive action.
Eco-Schools Committee
The commitment of the pupils to sustainability is evidenced in the success of the Eco-Schools Committee. The pupil-led Committee have, amongst other things, produced a Biodiversity Report, presented to the SMT and Governors, conducted pupil surveys, contributed to the London Schools’ Network, and raised environmental awareness through articles for the school newspaper and a range of assemblies.
They have also been the drivers of practical projects, particularly in relation to biodiversity. By monitoring and analysing the outcomes of their initiatives, the Committee ensures continuous progress towards their goals and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
The School has achieved Eco-Schools Green Flag statue and Tatler also recognised their achievements with the 2024 Eco-Warrior Award.
Grove Park Conservation Area
Biodiversity at Grove Park
Cognisant of the alarming loss of biodiversity in the UK, the Eco-Schools Committee, with support from a range of partners, has been instrumental in transforming parts of Grove Park (our Sports Grounds) into a conservation area. Around 40 native trees and bushes have been planted, aiming to provide habitat and food for insects, birds and small mammals.
These saplings have now been there for nearly two years and are thriving. In the years to come, these trees will draw down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, as well as create shaded areas next to the pitches. Pupils then added to the tree-planted areas, removing an area of grass, reseeding it with native wildflower seeds.
These areas have bloomed with a fantastic array of grasses and wildflowers, increasing biodiversity and attracting a plethora of insect life to the otherwise monoculture space of the former lawns. More recently, a pond has been built alongside systems to monitor biodiversity impacts.
Operational Sustainability
CLS seeks to operate in a sustainable manner, and is significantly helped by being part of the City of London Corporation which has an ambitious Climate Action Strategy. The School is particularly focussed on:
- Energy and Carbon Management
- Water Management and Efficiency
- Recycling and Waste Management
- Travel and Transportation
- Biodiversity
- Buildings and Construction
- Sustainable Food and Catering
- Procurement
We are developing increasingly robust and detailed measurement systems to strategically plan the reduction of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Curriculum
CLS recognises the importance of delivering a high-class Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Education which permeates the entire curriculum in order to equip pupils with the necessary tools to understand and deal with the climate crisis and is starting to work with a range of organisations such as the LSE, UCL (Teaching for Sustainable Futures) and the National Education Nature Park.
