Sustainability Week grew from a shared intention: to think more carefully about the choices we make each day, and the impact they have on the world around us. What followed was a week of pupil-led effort, with activities that encouraged practical thinking and everyday action. Across the school, everyday routines became opportunities to reflect, adapt and act.

From workshops to whole-school initiatives, pupils drove the week’s focus. The dining room wall was covered in green stickers to show empty plates for Zero Waste Day, the school office filled with donations for the Cardinal Hume Centre, and most importantly, pupils were asking questions and sharing ideas about how they could make more environmentally responsible choices. In science lessons, pupils explored ecosystems and the importance of protecting biodiversity.

As an Enterprise Rep, Nicholas, Year 6, explained how he contributed: “As an Enterprise Rep during Sustainability Week, I do quite a few things. Firstly, with the other enterprise team we promote being sustainable in ways we could do in and outside of school. For example, in my form I promote Sustainability Week by encouraging people to bring in money for donations or bringing various items or canned foods for donating to the Cardinal Hume Centre or even as little as limiting food waste. Personally, I enjoy helping other people or organizing different events along with the other enterprise team.”

Sam, Year 4, shared what the week meant to him:
“This Sustainability Week shows ways we can innovate from wasting less food to using more sustainable ways to get to school. This shows that even though we still go to school, from doing just one sustainable action every day it can make a significant difference on the world. We are also fundraising on Friday to help stop climate change and support sustainability. Enterprise Reps help with charity events, bake sales, the Summer Fête and the Christmas Fair as well as weeks like Sustainability Week. It is great to be in the Enterprise because it does not mean you have to run a big event—it can just be a small mufti day to help raise money for charity. Every little bit can help.”

Visiting speaker Dr Andrew Lee brought both insight and perspective. A former teacher at WUS now working in climate innovation, he shared a wealth of data on the realities of climate change alongside examples of the progress already being made. One photograph stood out – his former form group, with several pupils now involved in developing sustainable technologies, including a new-generation battery. His talk offered a clear message: meaningful change can begin in familiar places, and the tools to support it are already within reach.

Pupils also supported Conservation International by wearing green to raise funds and through shared discussion in form time. A travel survey during the week confirmed that walking remains the most popular way pupils get to school – a quietly significant habit.

Next week, a Plant Sale led by Aditya in Year 5 will offer sunflower and tomato plants, with proceeds supporting Conservation International – an initiative planned by pupils to further their commitment to sustainability.

Miss Odedra, Head of Enterprise, shared her thoughts on the week and the pupils leading it: “As Head of Enterprise, I have thoroughly enjoyed stepping into this new role and getting to know the incredible energy and passion of our students. Their dedication and drive continually inspire me, whether it is through initiatives like Comic Relief or Sustainability Week or supporting charities they are passionate about like the NHS. The impact they make is nothing short of remarkable, and it is this commitment to excellence that motivates me every day to support their great ideas so we can contribute to the wider community. I am excited to continue working alongside such a talented and passionate group of individuals, shaping the future together.”