Sustainability at Sutton #13

The BIG Climate and Nature Survey
Students at Sutton High School took part in The BIG Climate and Nature Survey, with 334 pupils from Years 7–11 sharing their views and learning experiences. The survey showed that most students have a solid understanding of climate change—what it is, why it’s happening, and how it affects people and the planet. Geography and Science were the most common subjects where pupils learned about these issues, but many also mentioned assemblies, PSR lessons, English, Design & Technology, and even special programmes like Kaleidoscope and Eco Club.
 
When asked about nature, pupils overwhelmingly described it as everything “natural” in the world—plants, animals, landscapes, and ecosystems—and many expressed concern about its decline. Students recalled lessons that encouraged them to think critically about their own impact, from litter picking to learning about sustainable materials and fast fashion. Overall, the responses show that young people are not only aware of environmental issues but also motivated to protect the planet, with many recognising the importance of individual action and the need for global change.
 
Some of the comments from students are both hopeful and a call to action.
 
“Climate change has happened for as long as the Earth has existed. the difference between climate change nowadays verses climate change back when, like, the dinosaurs were around is that now temperatures and climates are not changing naturally. There is a notable spike in the pace of changing temperatures due to air pollution.”
 
“Nature is all around us, the insects , the trees , the weather. Nature is natural and beautiful. From the centipedes , the bees , Mount Fiji to the sun. They are all what also makes our world. nature is life like plants, animals, bacteria and fungi. Nature is the natural world including plants, animals and other things that do not depend upon humans.”
 
“That human kind r kinda horrid for proceeding with things like mineral extractions and cutting down habitats even after they have been told of the reproductions it lets me think how climate change are closely related to our daily life.”
 
“How it will affect our futures Oh WOW the generations before me were not very nice to the earth. just kind of dull and dreary, essentially, the world is becoming terrible and there is essentially nothing we can really do about it.”
 
“It makes me feel hopeless, because unless EVERYONE agrees to helping stop climate change together, it won’t work as just one person doing the right thing doesn’t make a difference.”
 
If anyone would like a full copy of the survey, please email: a.southgate@sut.gdst.net
 
AECOM Work Placements
Following the success of the workshop for Year 10 students, facilitated by AECOM, two students were offered work placements in the summer, spending one week at the Consultancy firm in London.
 
Oxford High School – Sustainability Symposium
Last week, 5 students went to Oxford High School and participated in a series of workshops, including making old fashion apple cider, with apples donated from the local community.  Students also planted a series of trees, learning about the different species and what works in various areas.  Some students made apple crumble for delivery to local homeless shelters.  There was also a talk by the CEO of Y.O.U Sustainable Underwear, highlighting the impact of fast fashion and unrealistic representations of beauty standards. 
 
Energy Sparks – School Audit
A number of students in Year 8 and 9 will be participating in an audit of the energy used at Sutton High School, using specialist equipment to measure and analyse the amount we use here. This is being facilitated by Energy Sparks, a platform we (students, teachers, caretakers) use to understand the trends observed in school and a stepping stone to make some changes.  For example, one of the worst times for high energy use is immediately after school, from approximately 4pm to 7pm.  Knowing this, we can put in measures to mitigate such high consumption.