July saw our second annual Eco Day for the Year 7 students. The aim of the day is to offer a carousel of workshops focused on sustainability, climate education and caring for the environment.

We were thrilled to have welcomed a number of climate-focussed volunteers who offered a variety of engaging sessions on air quality run by The University of Reading and Design Nature, bees and why we need pollinators Jennys Bees, the importance of soil for the environment (STEM Ambassador, parent and Soil Scientist, Kate Baker), recycling and managing our waste West Berkshire Council (Recycling), 'What's My Job?' specialising in Green Careers run by Education Business Partnership and our climate challenge to celebrate what students are already doing but also to challenge them to take the next step West Berkshire Green Exchange.

All the sessions sparked thoughtful discussions and offered practical ideas for sustainability.

See some of the Year 7 feedback below:

"It was really fun and I loved it!"

"We got to make animals out of recycled materials and it was really fun"

"It was just a really nice experience"

"I liked seeing the bees and making candles"

"It was good. I learnt a lot."

"We learnt new things and had fun things (to do). I enjoyed meeting new people"

Our senior students also helped lead sessions of their own to share their passion and knowledge with the Year 7s. Year 11, Chloe, came back to show students how to roll their own beeswax candle; returning Year 13 students, Aaron, ran a session on sustainable food; and Bethany, who spoke to students about her designs for an exciting new nature space and outdoor learning area at LHS, and gave them the opportunity to create something to add to the space. Thanks also to Year 12s, Diya and Anasha, who ran an environmental art session which we will be taking to Newbury Show in September, as well as all the Year 12 Leadership Team and volunteers who supported the classes.

Thank you to all of our guests and to our Year 7 students for their enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day and to everyone who worked hard to make today such a success!