At East Sheen Primary School, we aim to develop an environmentally intelligent community. To this end, we have embedded environmental threads through our curriculum to raise awareness, promote discussion and debate. We use our green hat thinking as we explore some of the environmental challenges our planet faces.  

Our amazing ‘Green Team’ has now expanded to include one child per class, from Years 2-6, who were voted for by their peers. They hold regular meetings with the Environmental Leader and enjoy updating the rest of the school with useful eco-tips and competitions. Additionally, the ‘Eco Elephant’ is presented to a KS1 and KS2 class each week. This award means that their classroom has been the most eco-friendly that week.  

East Sheen Primary School currently recycles cans, plastic, glass, paper and even old whiteboard pens! Amazingly, our catering team will be using food from our new allotments in our lunches. Every week, the whole school makes a collective effort in improving our school grounds. Eager and enthusiastic volunteers come to assist the Green Team in making sure that all pupils (and staff!) follow the motto 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' and respect our school's resources. Volunteer jobs also include checking the recycling bins are empty and clearing any rubbish using our new litter pickers!  

The Green Team’s latest project is working towards our third ‘Eco-School Green Flag’ application. They have identified the many environmental strengths at ESPS and are now working alongside the Environmental Leader to create an action plan for the school going forward. We are confident that there are plenty of exciting sustainable opportunities for the future.  

Our exciting vision going forward is to further develop the environmental thread through our curriculum. We will use our Thinking School tools to explore complex issues and develop a positive attitude to problem-solving. 

To this end, we have identified a 'guardianship' for each year group. Children will see this environmental strand in some of their lessons throughout the year and will think in a solution-focussed way about how to help the environment and overcome these environmental threats. 

Below is each year group's guardianship area: 

Reception: Oceans/Endangered animals  

Year 1: Green transport   

Year 2: Climate change   

Year 3: Deforestation   

Year 4: Waste/consumption   

Year 5: Sustainable fashion   

Year 6: Air quality  

In July 2023 and 2024, the school was awarded the Eco Schools Green Flag Award with distinction!