Sustainability

Knowledge, Nature, Nurture

At Heathside School, we recognise the importance of sustainability in shaping a better future. 

Hello! My name is Lorna, and I am proud to be the Sustainability Champion for Heathside School.

In addition to leading our school’s eco-efforts, I am also a Year 5 class teacher.

I am deeply passionate about sustainability, and I am excited to guide our school community on this journey towards becoming more environmentally conscious.

FAQ with Lorna

Why did you choose to be our sustainability champion?

I chose to take on this role to nurture the children’s interest in caring for the world around them. I believe that by promoting engagement in sustainability from an early age, we can create lifelong habits that benefit both our local and global environment. My goal is to encourage not just students, but also staff and families, to be more mindful of how our actions impact the planet.

What are your hopes to achieve this year with your eco-council?

This year, our key goal is to achieve whole-school engagement in eco matters. We want every student and teacher to be more thoughtful about energy use, waste reduction, and sustainable practices in our daily school life. Our school ethos—’Knowledge, Nature, Nurture‘—aligns perfectly with this, and we aim to strengthen our connections with the local Hampstead community, especially through our work with the Heath Hands charity. Since the Heath is an integral part of our school experience, protecting and supporting it remains a priority.

How are you supporting the community through sustainability?

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are working closely with the Hampstead community and organisations such as Heath Hands. Through this partnership, our students have the opportunity to engage in conservation activities, learning firsthand how to care for local green spaces. Additionally, we encourage families to adopt eco-friendly habits, such as reducing waste, recycling properly, and making sustainable choices in everyday life.

How are the children learning about sustainability?

To encourage student involvement, I have elected two eco reps from each class in Years 1-6. These enthusiastic pupils play a crucial role in leading our sustainability initiatives, helping to spread awareness and take action within our school community.

  • Our students engage in sustainability learning through a variety of interactive and hands-on experiences, including:
  • Visits from expert speakers who inspire and educate on environmental topics
  • Community projects that encourage students to take an active role in local sustainability efforts
  • Participation in eco competitions, allowing them to showcase their ideas and creativity
  • Practical initiatives within school, such as energy-saving campaigns, litter-picking, and recycling drives
  • Outdoor learning experiences that help students develop a deeper connection with nature

By embedding sustainability into our school culture, we hope to empower our students to be responsible, eco-conscious citizens both now and in the future.