• Reduce your school's carbon footprint
• Help everyone in the school community understand the issues surrounding the climate crisis and what they can do to take action
• Build on wellbeing and personal development in the actions you take

St Giles CE Primary School

Climate Action Plan: One-Page Summary (2026-2029)

Our Vision

At St Giles CE Primary School, we are committed to caring for God's creation through education, stewardship and action. We aim to reduce our environmental impact while empowering pupils to become responsible global citizens who contribute to a sustainable future.

Key Achievements

• 🏆 RHS Level 3 School Gardening Award achieved
• 🌍 Active UNICEF Ambassadors leading environmental initiatives
• 🚶 Promotion of Park and Stride from The Wakes Car Park
• 🚜 Participation in NFU Farmers for Schools
• ♻️ Regular pupil-led litter picks around the school and local area
• 🌱 Development of wildlife habitats and outdoor learning opportunities

Our Priorities

1. Reduce Carbon Emissions

• Conduct annual energy audits.
• Promote energy-saving behaviours through pupil-led campaigns.
• Maximise efficiency of heating and lighting systems.
• Explore renewable energy opportunities.

2. Promote Sustainable Travel

• Encourage walking, cycling and scooting to school.
• Promote Park and Stride from The Wakes Car Park.
• Reduce congestion and improve air quality around the school gates.

3. Reduce Waste

• Increase recycling across the school.
• Reduce paper consumption through digital communications.
• Minimise single-use plastics.
• Continue regular litter-picking initiatives.

4. Enhance Biodiversity

• Develop pollinator-friendly planting areas.
• Maintain wildlife habitats and growing spaces.
• Increase opportunities for outdoor learning.
• Encourage pupil participation in gardening and conservation projects.

5. Deliver Climate Education

Through the curriculum, pupils explore:

• The links between industrial meat production and deforestation.
• Sustainable farming and food production through NFU Farmers for Schools.
• How litter travels from local communities through rivers to the ocean.
• The impact of human actions on climate change and biodiversity.

6. Develop Pupil Leadership

• UNICEF Ambassadors lead environmental campaigns.
• Pupils take part in litter picks and sustainability projects.
• Children are encouraged to become advocates for environmental change.

Intended Outcomes by 2030

✅ Reduced school carbon emissions

✅ Improved air quality around school

✅ Increased biodiversity on the school site

✅ Reduced waste and increased recycling

✅ Greater use of sustainable travel

✅ Improved climate and sustainability knowledge among pupils

✅ A whole-school culture of environmental stewardship and responsibility

Impact Statement

St Giles CE Primary School is embedding sustainability throughout school life. Through practical action, curriculum learning and pupil leadership, children are developing the knowledge, skills and values needed to care for the environment and become courageous advocates for a greener and more sustainable future. Guided by our Christian vision, we are committed to protecting God's world for future generations.