On Monday 28th January, Year 7 students took part in a 'Sustainability Day', organised by Dr Wake. The aim of the day was to raise awareness of sustainability issues in a fun and exciting way.

On Monday 28th January, Year 7 students took part in a 'Sustainability Day', organised by Dr Wake.  The aim of the day was to raise awareness of sustainability issues in a fun and exciting way.  The students' learning focused on four main areas; energy, habitat, conservation and waste.  To learn about energy, students were given the challenge of working in groups to build a solar powered oven which could be used to heat water, and to illustrate how waste can be recycled, students were given the opportunity to design and create an outfit out of old clothes, which were then showcased in a fashion show at the end of the day.

Conservation issues were powerfully explored through the experience of witnessing the beauty of a number of rare birds of prey which were brought in by Malhamdale Falconry who gave talks and exciting demonstrations, and the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust provided ‘mini-beasts’ for students to find in leaf-litter and then build habitats for, including a lace-wing home known as a ‘bug-hotel’.  Students also made bird wreaths, providing nesting materials and seed balls, made from suet and seeds, to be hung up in the Academy's 'outdoor classroom', a designated area for learning about environmental issues.

Student Jessica Roberts said, "I’d never seen a bird of prey before so that was really fun and interesting.  I also loved seeing everyone’s creations on the catwalk and the insects were creepy but cool!", whilst James McQuillen simply said, "I enjoyed everything that happened today.  We got to learn about all different types of ways to help animals and to protect our environment".

Macmillan is involved with the Eco Schools Project and is making a real commitment to sustainability with a number of ongoing projects.  Enjoy the photos!