This term we were delighted to host the first GDST Teaching & Learning Conference dedicated to Sustainability. Aimed at students, and with more than 70 students and teachers attending from GDST schools and Trust office, our line-up included a wealth of brilliant keynote speakers and inspirational workshops, all focusing on the principles of sustainability across different fields – and at the same time inspiring students some fascinating ideas for careers around sustainability and our ecosystems.  

The day was very confidently and eloquently introduced by Blackheath High Eco prefect Elizabeth from Year 9, who had our conference delegates giggling at a multitude of eco-puns! Keynote speakers included: 

• Ian Chalk of Ian Chalk Architects, who spoke about the principles behind the design and sustainable redevelopment of award-winning Chart Street Studios in Hackney Central London 

• A talk on sustainable fashion by expert in her field, Professor Natascha Radcliffe-Thomas, from the British School of Fashion  

• Anu Sabherwal, Head of Sustainability & Infrastructure from the GDST Trust Office, who manages sustainability strategy centrally, with oversight of all 26 trust schools 

Workshops were delivered by: 

• David Rea of Ruxley Beekeepers who highlighted the vital role of British bees and protecting this crucial wildlife. Did you know that bees have three ‘spare’ ocelli eyes which are sensitive to light intensity and help them determine their direction relative to the sun and horizon? 

• Kath Lovett from Bromley High School with a Serious Lego workshop where the girls could get hands-on and creative with their 3D vision of green eco cities 

• Our Art and Science departments who delivered a hands-on workshop on upcycling preloved clothes and the benefits of green living by making your own self-sustaining terrarium 

It was a hugely engaging and insightful day, which concluded with presentations from wonderfully progressive Eco teams across the GDST family of schools on all the sustainable activities that are happening around our network. Even the delicious lunch buffet was served up complete with edible bowls, cups and straws – significantly reducing the event’s environmental and waste impact. Thank you to all those involved, and we look forward to seeing the next generation of eco-champions.