Developing an Environmentally Responsible School Community

At East Sheen Primary School, we are passionate about helping our children understand, care for and protect the world around them. Environmental awareness is embedded throughout our curriculum, encouraging pupils to think critically about the challenges facing our planet and to explore positive solutions using our Thinking School approach.

Our dedicated Green Team is made up of pupil representatives from Year 2 to Year 6, elected by their classmates. The team meets regularly to discuss sustainability initiatives, lead environmental projects and promote eco-friendly practices across the school. They play an important role in sharing ideas, running competitions and helping our school community make environmentally conscious choices.

Recycling is an important part of daily life at East Sheen Primary. We recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, cans, glass, whiteboard pens and glue sticks, and our pupils take pride in helping to keep our school environment clean and welcoming. Through regular litter-picking, recycling initiatives and environmental projects, children learn how small actions can make a big difference.

We are also fortunate to have access to an allotment on Hertford Avenue, where children can plan, plant, grow and harvest a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers throughout the year. This valuable outdoor space provides opportunities for gardening, wildlife projects, wellbeing activities and hands-on learning beyond the classroom.

To strengthen environmental learning across the school, every year group explores a dedicated Environmental Guardianship theme:

• Reception: Oceans and Endangered Animals
• Year 1: Green Transport
• Year 2: Coastal Areas
• Year 3: Deforestation
• Year 4: Water Conservation
• Year 5: Sustainable Fashion
• Year 6: Air Quality

These topics help children develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues while encouraging them to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who can make a positive impact on the future.

We are incredibly proud that our commitment to sustainability has been recognised with the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This achievement reflects the hard work of our pupils, staff and wider school community in creating a greener, more sustainable future.