At Owston Park Primary Academy we are passionate about Sustainability and working together with children, families and the wider school community to reduce emissions, increase biodiversity and educate our children and communities to safeguard our planet for future generations. We have a joint responsibility for preparing children and young people for the challenges and opportunities they will face.
Please click on our climate action plan below for further details.
Our school was successful in securing funding through the RHS and the National Education Nature Park programme to develop an area within our school grounds that would enhance biodiversity and provide valuable opportunities for outdoor learning.
As part of the project, members of our Eco-Club carried out a monitoring survey of different areas around the school to identify the most suitable location for improving biodiversity. They carefully considered how the space could support local wildlife while also providing opportunities for children to learn about nature and sustainability.
Through the grant funding, a range of resources were purchased for the nursery garden, including planters, gardening tools, benches, and mini-beast hotels. These additions have helped to create an engaging outdoor environment where children can explore, grow plants, care for wildlife, and develop their understanding of the natural world.
The application process has provided a fantastic opportunity for Eco-Club members to take an active role in improving their school environment while learning about conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting local habitats. As the area continues to develop, it will support outdoor learning across the school .
Green Careers Week
As part of Green Careers Week, children explored a range of careers that help to protect the environment and create a more sustainable future. They learnt about the important work carried out by people in a variety of environmental roles and discussed the skills, qualities, and subjects that can support these careers.
In Key Stage 1, children designed their own Environmental Superheroes. They considered how their superhero would help the environment and identified the skills and qualities needed to carry out their important role. This encouraged children to think about how everyone can make a positive difference to the world around them.
In Key Stage 2, children explored a variety of green careers by matching job descriptions to the correct roles. They discussed the skills, knowledge, and school subjects required for each career and considered how these jobs contribute to a more sustainable future. Using their learning, the children then designed their own environmental careers, creating innovative roles aimed at tackling environmental challenges and supporting our planet.
Biosphere Day
As part of our Biosphere Day, children took part in a range of engaging lessons exploring the unique wildlife, habitats, history, and culture of our region as it works towards Biosphere status.
Our local area is home to incredible wildlife and distinctive natural environments. Children learnt about the rare Mire Pill Beetle, which is endemic to Thorne and Hatfield Moors, and discovered how beavers have recently returned to the Idle Valley Nature Reserve after being absent from the area for hundreds of years.
Year 1 explored nature in our on-site Forest School, taking part in a nature bingo activity and learning about the plants and animals that live around us.
Year 5 studied the history and culture of the Biosphere region. They learnt about the traditional Haxey Hood event in North Lincolnshire before designing and creating their own specially decorated hats inspired by this local heritage.
Year 6 investigated the different habitats found within the Biosphere region. After discussing the local landscape and wildlife, they located where various animals live and placed them within the correct areas of the Biosphere.
Biosphere Day provided a fantastic opportunity for children to develop their understanding of sustainability, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting our local environment for future generations.
Owston Park Primary Academy
