Environment & Sustainability Programme

Inspiring Sustainable Thinking and Action

Programme overview

Preparing Global Environmental Leaders

With climate change at the forefront of global challenges, Sunmarke’s Environment & Sustainability Programme nurtures a deep connection with nature while developing scientific knowledge, eco-leadership, and sustainability values. Our immersive outdoor learning environments — including the Forest School, Zen Garden, Vegetable Garden, and Hydroponic Farming Lab — make sustainability an everyday experience.

Designed for Every Learner

Supporting Every Student to Explore, Create & Innovate

All students from EYFS to Year 13. The programme is cross-disciplinary and fully integrated into academic and co-curricular learning.

Progression Pathway

Learning Journey

EYFS

Sensory play, simple conservation habits, nature appreciation

Primary

Ecosystem studies, organic gardening, biodegradable product design

Secondary

Environmental research, global climate advocacy, sustainability leadership

EYFS | Exploring and Connecting with Nature

Forest School provides our youngest students with regular opportunities to explore, play and learn in the natural environment. Through hands-on experiences, children develop curiosity about plants, wildlife and the world around them while beginning to understand the importance of caring for nature. Simple habits such as saving water and energy, reducing waste and reusing materials introduce sustainability from an early age.

Primary | Learning, Taking Action & Leading Change

In Primary, Forest School continues to provide opportunities for students to learn through nature and develop their understanding of the environment. Sustainability is also brought into everyday learning, with students regularly reusing materials for projects and finding creative ways to reduce waste. Students take part in whole-school initiatives focused on saving water, reducing waste and saving energy, with opportunities to take on leadership roles through the Eco Committee and help drive positive change across the school.

Secondary | Learning, Leadership and Service

In Secondary, students build on these foundations by exploring environmental challenges in greater depth through the curriculum and taking an active role in sustainability across the school. Opportunities for involvement and leadership are linked to the Eco Committee, Civitas, CAS and the Whole School Leadership Team. Secondary students can help lead initiatives, develop practical solutions and support younger students in Primary, sharing their knowledge and encouraging sustainable habits across the school. These opportunities allow students to turn their learning into action while playing an important role in Sunmarke’s journey towards the Eco-Schools Green Flag.

Sustainability Across the Curriculum

Curriculum Integration

Science: Ecology, conservation biology, climate systems
Technology: Environmental monitoring, VR tools, climate modelling
Engineering: Renewable energy, sustainable design
Math: Statistical analysis and modelling of environmental data
Languages: Cultural approaches to conservation (Mandarin, Hindi, French)

Spaces That Bring Learning to Life

Facilities & Resources

Hydroponic stations, composting units, environmental sensors
Outdoor classrooms and natural laboratories
Community garden and student-led sustainability zones such as Forest School and Zen Garden.

HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Sustainability in Action

Book Swap

Giving pre-loved books a new home by encouraging our community to share, swap and reuse rather than buy new.

Hydroponics

Growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water, helping students explore more water-efficient and sustainable ways of producing food.

Saving Water

Small actions make a big difference. Students are encouraged to use water carefully, turn taps off when not needed and report leaks across the school.

Forest School

Learning beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences in nature, helping students build confidence, curiosity and a stronger connection with the environment.

Recycling at Sunmarke

Sorting paper, cans and plastic correctly helps reduce waste, conserve resources and keep our school community greener.

Sunlight Friday

Making the most of natural daylight by switching off unnecessary lights, saving energy and reducing our environmental impact.

Work with Sustainable Sunmarke

If you offer a sustainable product, service or initiative that could benefit our school community, we’d love to hear from you.

David McEntee
Secondary Sustainability Coordinator
d.mcentee@fortesedu.com

Where Learning Leads Next

Pathways & Progression

GCSE, A-Level, BTEC and IB Environmental Systems & Societies
Career preparation in sustainability, conservation, and environmental policy
Strong university placement record in environmental and science fields

Join a Forest School session, explore the Hydroponic Lab, or attend our student-led Sustainability Showcase to witness the programme in action.

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