Sustainability at Newchurch St Mary's: Our Path to a Greener Future 

At St Mary's, we believe that a thriving environment is the foundation for every child's future. Guided by our mission to flourish through God's love, we are committed to being responsible stewards of the Earth, equipping our pupils with the values to lead with compassion and integrity.

Key Pillars of Our Climate Action Plan

We have identified four primary areas where we are making a tangible difference. Our progress is overseen by our Sustainability Lead, Pauline Nightingale, in collaboration with the Cidari Multi Academy Trust.

1. Estates and Operations

We are transforming how our school functions to minimise our footprint:

  • Energy Efficiency: Our pupils and staff have become "Power Champions," ensuring lights and electronics are powered down when not in use. Our goal is a significant reduction in consumption by 2030.
  • Waste Management: We are implementing comprehensive recycling for paper, plastic, glass, and food waste, while exploring composting for garden waste.
  • Sustainable Travel: We are proud that all our local pupils currently walk to school, significantly reducing car-related emissions.
  • Resourcefulness: Operating on a minimal budget, we prioritize reusing and repurposing materials wherever possible.

2. Curriculum and Education

Sustainability isn't just a topic; it's embedded in how we learn:

  • Cross-Curricular Links: Environmental themes are woven into subjects ranging from "Champions of Antarctica" to studies on Sir David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg.
  • Outdoor Learning: We utilize outdoor spaces to connect pupils with nature through projects like "The Opal Area" and "Food Chains".
  • Agent of Change: Every pupil is an active member of our Eco-Council, ensuring a collaborative approach to environmental decision-making.

3. Community Engagement

We believe climate action is a collective effort:

  • Gardening Club: A weekly club provides hands-on opportunities for pupils to care for their environment.
  • Partnerships: We work with the Ernest Cook Trust to connect young people with the countryside and participate in community initiatives like Rotakids.
  • Global Awareness: Our students have represented our academy at the Earth Conference.

4. Biodiversity

We are dedicated to turning our school site into a haven for local wildlife:

  • Habitat Creation: We maintain bug hotels, bird boxes, and feeders.
  • Conservation: We participate in RSPB bird and butterfly counts and have committed to reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Governance and Progress

Our Climate Action Plan is a living document. We set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) targets that are reviewed termly and reported to the Local Governing Committee (LGC).

Next Review Date: 30/06/2026

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