Sustainable Development Conference -
On 4 March 2009 eight Oxford secondary schools came together for the second Oxford Schools Sustainable Development Conference. Organised by Magdalen College School, Oxford School and the Oxfordshire Independent/State Schools Partnership, the conference enabled students to share ideas and achievements for reducing their schools’ carbon footprint, to hear from experts and participate in group discussions. This one day event of presentations, workshops and discussion groups took place at Oxford School.
Twenty-six students took part from these schools: Cherwell School, D’Overbroecks College, Headington School, Magdalen College School, Oxford High School, Oxford School, St Edwards School and St Gregory The Great School. Highlights of the conference are as follows:
Rachel and Bebe, students at Oxford School, explained how the school had achieved its Green Flag status under the Eco Schools Programme. Measures included an audit of water use throughout the school, the findings of which resulted in 48 taps being replaced, the creation of an organic garden, a stringent recycling scheme, installation of lighting sensors and use of environment friendly cleaning products. The team are continuing the work started by former students and plan to establish an eco centre to promote bio-diversity.
Cherwell School has also established an ecology area with a pond. Student Ana described how the area is encouraging wildlife and is used as a valuable teaching resource for all age groups. The school has also worked with Energy Busters, a group from Northmoor Trust that runs workshops on energy efficiency and now has a ‘switch off’ process for computer equipment and movement sensors on lighting.
Between presentations, discussion topics ranged from energy and water usage to funding for solar panels and other capital spending projects. Some schools had incorporated larger scale measures into building programmes. Solar panels on St Edwards’ new Biology building and rainwater collection system at St Gregory the Great were some examples.
Oxford High School had done a lot to communicate environmental measures to the whole school to get everyone involved with ‘doing their bit.’ Green Representatives have been appointed for each year group tasked with finding ways to motivate people. Simple measures such as placing ‘switch off’ stickers on light switches have made a big difference.
St Gregory the Great has a very active environmental committee which has implemented a host of measures. Water HIPPO’s, devices to make lavatories use less water, have been installed; there is a computer equipment switch-off routine and the restaurant serves locally-sourced food. Three new bike shelters have been built and a copse has been planted with trees donated by The Woodland Trust. The school has also planted a Peace Garden and has an anti-litter campaign.
The variety of discussion topics showed how much environment concerns impacts every aspect of life. Many students felt that their efforts at school made them think more about how they can do more within their own lives and their families’. For example, Oxford High School has launched a scheme for recycling old mobile phones, which are sent away to be used for parts or to developing countries.
Transport to school was discussed as a major contributor to a school’s carbon footprint. Among the schools there are walk-to-school campaigns, cycling proficiency courses and schemes for parents to cycle with their children.
Steffan Griffiths of Magdalen College School comments: “At our first conference last autumn, we came away convinced that we need to turn fine words into action and this second event shows how well the schools are achieving that goal. Students have shared their successes, ideas and concerns today, and shown what can be done with the right amount of commitment and organisation. It is very heartening to see the real enthusiasm that is prevalent among these teams and their schools, and we expect to see even more projects in place next time.”
The next Oxford Schools Sustainable Development Conference is planned for autumn 2009.
Sustainable Development Conference 2008
Students of Oxfordshire schools Sustainable Development Committees were invited to the Key Learning Centre on 11th November to report on and discuss sustainable development activities in their schools.
