We ended the Autumn Term 2006 with our usual alternative curriculum provision for pupils. The focus in December 2006 was on Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship.

Whilst Year 11 sat their mock GCSE exams the rest of the school followed a range of activities to raise their awareness of the issues around sustainable development.

Year 7 — Global Footprint and our environment

Pupils started by watching a film about Greenpeace — the activity was to then watch a Greenpeace advert with no sound or dialogue and the pupils created their own sounds and backing track. Pupils also worked out their own global footprint — the impact that their individual lifestyle has on our planet — and made pledges for 2007. They then looked at climate change, issues around deforestation and designed gardens for the future. Caerphilly Groundwork Trust came in to give a presentation about their work. The pupils all went outside — each pupil planted a tree which they can nurture over the next 5 years. A group of pupils decided that they would like to plant their trees to create an outdoor classroom — they already have ideas as to how they would like to develop that. Pupils also wrote letters voicing their concern to Tony Blair.

Year 8 - Global Footprint

Looked at issues around waste, litter and recycling. Pupils, parents and staff collected non-food household rubbish for a week. Pupils sorted and analysed the contents.

— how much could be recycled?
— what categories of recycling existed?
— how much could be reused or adapted?

Members of CCBC ESD team came into school to give presentations and to hold workshops. Keep Wales Tidy came in and supported us in a huge litter pick around the school grounds and adjacent woods. This was all sorted and recycled (many thanks to Mrs Parry’s Dad for all his help!) Pupils also looked at their own Global Footprint.

Year 9

Staff were again keen to explore the issue of recycling. They undertook a similar exercise of collecting household litter sorting and analysing it — but they also explored the bins in school and looked at how much could be recycled. They explored the issue and problem of plastic and plastic packaging. Fair Trade came in to give a presentation. Pupils sampled Fair Trade Products — crisps, biscuits, chocolate, juice, water and coffee — the company were really generous! Pupils then gave Powerpoint demonstrations of what they had discovered and which 2 ideas they wish to take forward — Recycling bins for plastic/glass/metal/paper around school and Fair Trade products to be available in the Canteen. These issues are being pursued.

Year 10

Watched a film on the impact of climate change. Groups then looked at energy efficiency — saving energy in school, in the home and in transport. Questionnaires and surveys were completed. The Army came in and spent a day – they gave a presentation and held workshops on aspects of Global Citizenship.