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Posted on June 21st 2021
Character Day, 1st July 2021 - What's Happening
HGA students are on the move as lockdown restrictions are lifting, so we can get our students back out into experience-based learning.
We have a range of exciting activities for Year 7, 8 and 9 at the beginning of July as part of our latest Character Day for Key Stage 3.
Waste and the environment
Year 7 will be examining the impacts of waste on the environment by participating in a litter pick and visiting Crossness Pumping Station.
The students will analyse their litter data to determine where it all comes from and how we can all do our part to stop the flow of litter that is harming our environment.
This includes waste that flows into the Thames from wastewater. Crossness Pumping Station was built in 1865 by Sir Joseph Bazalgette as part of Victorian London’s sewerage system.
It is a Grade 1 Listed industrial heritage site and a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, architecture, and design.
Ecosystems of Thamesmead
Year 8 will spend a day examining the ecosystems and habitats that are found in Thamesmead and how they support and increase biodiversity.
The students will alternate between field and lab work, collecting data and gathering specimens to then take back to the lab and examine. Students will identify priority woodland, wetland, and pond ecosystems and habitats that support local plants and animals. As well they will learn about how humans can have an impact on the future of these valuable habitats.
Gardening science
Year 9 is also on the move. They will be taking a trip to RHS Wisley’s newest facility, RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science.
The students will spend the day participating in a series of workshops that explore the importance of plants, gardens, and green space to the future of or planet. Students will study the dangers of large scale mono-cultures in agriculture, the importance of plants in capturing carbon and keeping urban spaces cool, and the threat of disease to our crops.
By examining the source of litter and waste that is harming the environment, and the importance of local habitats and ecosystems to local and global health, we hope to inspire our students to use their education to solve some of the problems facing the world today in our rapidly changing climate.
