Our Sustainable School
OUR MISSION
Through our curricular and extra-curricular provision, we want to develop pupils of excellent character, responsible global citizens, who will make the world a better place through their kindness, thoughtfulness, confidence and resilience.
SUSTAINABILITY AT BVGS
Climate change and ecological destruction are some of the biggest challenges of our time. At Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, we are increasingly aware of environmental issues created by climate change and the need to create a more sustainable future. We have a crucial role to play in achieving social, economic and environmental sustainability and we believe our pupils can develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Like all institutions, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School has a responsibility to meet the UK government’s target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and, in doing so, we strongly feel that we can help pupils to develop skills and attitudes that will enable them to challenge and raise awareness of climate change and become responsible citizens in the future.
LET’S GO ZERO PLEDGE
We’ve taken the Let’s Go Zero pledge, declaring our aim to become zero carbon by 2030. We’re joining schools across the UK in this national campaign to show the overwhelming support for zero carbon schools, and inviting government and local councils to work with us to reach this goal.
Here are some of the things we’ve achieved this academic year:
- Creation of a Vesey Garden, growing herbs and produce, as well as encouraging wildlife and biodiversity
- Implementing recycling of electrical equipment, batteries and school supplies
- Recycling pens using Terracycle, a system that reuses the non-recyclable plastics and converts them into raw materials for other useful products
- Building links with industry experts through careers and work experience
- Monitoring air quality inside and outside the classroom
- Maintaining the Active Travel Ambassador programme
- Creating awareness of climate change by inviting external guests to speak to students
- Engaging in the ‘Count Your Carbon’ initiative to track the school’s carbon emissions
- Engaging in national initiative like Just One Tree Day, The Big Plastic Count, Earth Day and Road Safety Week
- Implementing a clear expectation within the school community to recycle food and packaging waste in link with national expectations
Here are some of the things we’re hoping to achieve in the future:
- Replace all lighting in school with LED lights
- Reducing food waste
- Continuing to promote sustainable travel to school/work
- Continuing to engage in national initiates like The Nature Park
- Creation of wild areas within the school grounds to encourage biodiversity and support learning activities
- Continue to develop the Vesey Garden into a space which promotes growth and wellbeing
