Going green in class

Staff cycled to the Minster School, Southwell, on Friday as part of its annual green week.

Many pupils also cycled, walked or skateboarded to school rather than going by car.

The aim of green week was to encourage awareness of issues effecting the environment such as climate change.

The school’s eco-rep co-ordinator, Mrs Leigh Canning, of Newark, cycled to and from school. The journey took 50 minutes.

She said: “It made me see the countryside in a different light and was quite liberating.

“It is something I should do again because some of my colleagues cycle in several times a week.”

Students attended assemblies and took part in lessons with environmental themes.

Those aged 13 and 14 composed environment-themed songs in music lessons to enter into a competition.

English students aged 12 and 13 wrote environmental poems while those aged 11 and 12 designed environmentally-friendly bags in design and technology classes.

Maths pupils worked with environmental consultants Shining Earth to calculate the carbon footprint caused by travelling to and from school.

Miss Canning said it was important pupils were aware of environmental issues.

She said: “It is something that affects everyone. There are different views on climate change but one thing scientists seem to agree on is we are having some kind of impact and anything we can do to minimise our impact can only be a positive thing.

“We have to think about what we are leaving for future generations. It is important not just to talk about these issues but to show how you can change your behaviour to do something about it.”

l The school is collecting items including books, games and clothes for the Police Aid Convoy.

Anyone wanting to donate should take their items to the school reception before Friday, June 19.