As parents and carers, we all want our children to be environmentally conscious and active in preserving our planet for future generations. One great way to instil these values in our children is through participation in their school’s Eco Club activities. These clubs offer a variety of hands-on experiences that not only educate students about the environment but also empower them to make a positive impact.

Miss Tooley, Geography Teacher at Brentford School for Girls (BSfG), runs a fantastic Eco Club during lunch break on Wednesdays. Joining the school’s Eco Club is an opportunity for BSfG students to engage in real-world environmental projects. From organising community clean-up events to planting trees and creating recycling programs at school, these activities allow students to see the direct impact of their actions on the environment. By actively participating in these projects, students are able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to practical situations, reinforcing their understanding of key environmental concepts.

They have run various Eco projects such as building bird houses, growing vegetables and working alongside the school marketing team to create Year 6 into Year 7 welcome plant pots.

Their hard work paid off as BSfG Eco Club has recently received the International Eco-School Award Eco Schools 2023-2024 issued by Keep Britain Tidy and the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Eco Club activities often involve collaboration with other students, teachers, other school departments and community members. This teamwork not only enhances social skills but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility towards protecting the environment. Students learn how to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and work towards a common goal – all valuable skills that will serve them well in their future endeavours.

Another key benefit of participating in Eco Club activities is the sense of empowerment that it instils in students. By taking an active role in environmental initiatives, students develop a sense of agency and realise that they have the power to effect change – no matter how small their contributions may seem. This empowerment boosts their confidence and motivates them to continue making environmentally conscious choices both at school and at home.

BSfG’s Eco Club can have a profound impact on students’ environmental learning and performance. Through hands-on projects, teamwork, interactions with experts, and a sense of empowerment, students gain valuable skills and knowledge that will help them become responsible stewards of the environment. As parents and carers, we should encourage our children to participate in Eco Club activities such as BSfG’s one.