USI celebrated Sustainability Week from 12th to 16th October, with a series of events and initiatives designed to raise awareness about looking after our environment.

Each day of the week had its own theme, designed to educate and raise awareness in different aspects of sustainability.

  • Sunday: Switch Off Sunday – We turned off all the school lights for the whole day. It was a little dark in places but we managed!
  • Monday: Sustainable Transport Day – Students and staff were encoraged to walk, cycle or car share to and from school.
  • Tuesday: Zero Waste Lunch Day – Students were encouraged to pack plastic-free, with reusable containers and cutlery only.
  • Wednesday: Book Swap Day – Students brought in books to swap with a classmate.
  • Thursday: Sustainable Project Day – Students displayed cool projects they made using reusable or recycled material.

We were also delighted to welcome Stefan Lindberg-Jones, a professional life-coach and mentor, who came to deliver a talk entitled “Building a Sustainable Mindset in Schools" It helped our students consider how we can lead a more sustainable lifestyle, focussing on the things that we really need for our life's journey. It was a fascinating and engaging talk that really got our students thinking about how we can look after our precious world. His presentation focused on mindfulness, gratitude, and simple daily actions that support sustainable living.

Well done to all of the winners of the Sustainability Project competition!

All of the students who made art projects to celebrate Sustainability Week did an amazing job - but very special congratulations go to the winners from each year group. Here they are proudly displaying their winning projects...

But why is celebrating Sustainability Week important to us?

Sustainability Week offers us the opportunity to educate, inspire, and empower our students to take meaningful action toward protecting the environment. As concerns about climate change, pollution, schools play a critical role in shaping the next generation’s mindset and habits.

1. Education Through Action
While classroom lessons provide the foundation, Sustainability Week brings environmental education to life. Through hands-on activities, students learn how their everyday choices impact the planet. These real-world connections make the lessons more memorable and meaningful.

2. Building a Culture of Responsibility
Celebrating Sustainability Week promotes a culture of environmental responsibility across the entire school community. Students, teachers, and parents come together with a common purpose, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role in creating a more sustainable future.

4. Aligning with Global Goals
By celebrating Sustainability Week, our school is supporting broader efforts like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These global objectives encourage actions at all levels to combat climate change and promote sustainable living.

In short, Sustainability Week is more than a themed, fun event (although we hope our students had fun!) — it’s an investment in the future. By fostering awareness and encouraging action, we can help our students become thoughtful, informed stewards of the environment.