Our Sustainability at Streatham and Clapham High School GDST

At Streatham & Clapham High School, we are deeply committed to protecting the environment, championing sustainability and advocating for meaningful change. Our entire school community works together to tackle the climate crisis at every level, from grassroots actions to influencing national and international policy. Each form has an Eco Representative who collaborates with a school-wide sustainability committee, which includes designated staff members and members of the Senior Leadership Team. We are proud to have achieved the prestigious Green Flag Award, reflecting our ongoing efforts across areas such as biodiversity, waste reduction, healthy living and global citizenship.

Here are some of the initiatives which have been implemented over the past few years:

Single use plastic poses a severe threat to both our planet and public health, which is why its use has been prohibited in the school since 2023. For example, our kitchens no longer utilise cling film; we now opt for lids to cover hot dishes.

Reducing consumption of energy and resources is a key driver of our environmental strategy. A campaign was spearheaded by our Eco Reps to switch off lights and electric devices when not in use, limiting the duration of heating during winter months, cutting down on photocopying while promoting a transition to digital formats, reviewing and reducing printed promotional materials, and installing eco hand driers in the new toilet facilities. We also run a portion size serving system at lunch to help reduce food wastage and water fountains have been installed to decrease use of water coolers, with the goal of phasing out all water coolers in 2025.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to the school’s physical environment. The Sixth Form Centre and Madeleine Dring Hall have won awards for their sustainable designs, including recognition from the RIBA Awards, Wood Awards and AJ Retrofit Awards. Our new IT suite and library features recycled plastic surfaces and carpet tiles, while all timber originate from sustainable sources.

For several years, we have implemented a strategy focused on sustainable procurement. In addition to choosing paper and other items made from recycled materials, we use cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products across the school and garden, encompassing all cleaning products and handwash. Furthermore, our catering team produce healthy, home-made dishes using locally sourced, seasonal food, including a designated meat free day per week. We have recently started sourcing ‘wonky’ vegetables which would typically be discarded for cosmetic reasons.

To promote reuse, Friends of SCHS host events to sell preloved uniform and Christmas jumpers, while phased out uniform was donated to a charity in The Gambia. As a school wherever possible we recycle items, including crisp packets, batteries, pens, paper and card and printer cartridges.

Our local environment is very important and students are encouraged to travel to school using active methods such as cycling or by public transport rather than by car, helping improve air quality. We also offer the opportunity for students to participate in cycle safety training during enrichment sessions. Through the House system, our pupils support various environmental charities, such as The Bike Project.

We are dedicated to continuously improving our environmental impact. Upcoming projects include plans to create a herb garden and exploring the feasibility of installing solar panels on the roof.

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I write this, eagerly anticipating our first ever House Dance competition which I hope will be a very joyful end to the term. I firmly believe that everyone can dance, and I’m hoping to see exuberant proof of that today. Last night, the musicians in our wonderful Spring Concert proved what great rhythm they had, and reminded me again of how subtly we make connections as we perform together, through eye contact, gestures, and a finely tuned ear.