Nurturing a Love for Nature Across the College
At our College, fostering a deep connection with nature is integral to our students’ journey from the earliest years in DUCKS to their final days in Year 13. By engaging with the natural world, we aim to cultivate a lifelong love for the environment that empowers our community to act as a voice for nature, ensuring a regenerative and sustainable future.
DUCKS
In our DUCKS Kindergarten classes, in addition to Forest School, we have introduced an array of hands-on activities to help our youngest learners develop a personal connection with nature. For the first time last year, DUCKS students had the opportunity to care for creepy crawlies right in their classrooms. From observing the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies to nurturing mealworms, our students learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of every living creature. The compost tower in the Toddler class, complete with earthworms, has been a highlight, as children discover how nature recycles waste into nutrients, reinforcing their understanding of environmental stewardship.
Junior School
In the Junior School, our students engage with sustainability through a series of interconnected themes that deepen their understanding of the natural world. Whether they are exploring the vital role of water, investigating the impacts of climate change, or considering how living things adapt to an ever-changing environment, each topic builds on the last, creating a cohesive journey toward environmental stewardship.
These studies culminate in an exploration of sustainable practices, equipping our students with the knowledge and empathy needed to protect our planet's future. These thematic explorations not only deepen their understanding of environmental issues but also foster a proactive mindset toward sustainability.
Senior School
In the Senior School, our students are empowered to take the lead on sustainability initiatives. For example, the Zero Waste group, part of the Ikigai Project, has spearheaded a project to transform our College’s approach to green waste management. Their proposal to invest in an industrial wood chipper promises to turn campus waste into valuable mulch and compost, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the College’s green spaces. This initiative not only demonstrates the students’ passion for sustainability but also highlights the practical, hands-on learning that empowers them to make a real difference and the determination and resilience required in overcoming challenges along the way.