Sustainability Targets and Goals at GFD

Sustainability Targets and Goals at GFD

GFD has outlined a structured long-term plan focusing on sustainability and innovation. Here are the key points:

• 2024–2025: Appointment of a Head of Sustainability to lead environmental initiatives and foster a culture of ecological responsibility within the school community. Establish a curriculum that develops student’s knowledge of sustainability and get students involved in projects, trips outside of school and school competitions. Host the OIC Sustainability Exhibition in June 2025.
• 2025–2026: Development of bespoke learning spaces and expansion of language support programs, integrating sustainability themes into the curriculum and promoting environmental awareness among students.
• 2026–2027: Build partnerships with international schools to share ideas and collaborate in the spirit of emphasising global sustainability practices and student engagement in environmental issues.

These initiatives aim to embed sustainability into the school's ethos, ensuring that students are educated and actively participate in creating a sustainable future.

Student Leadership in Sustainability

GFD places a strong emphasis on student leadership, providing various roles and opportunities for students to lead and participate in sustainability initiatives:

• Student Council: Elected representatives from each year group who act as the voice of the student body, participating in school governance and decision-making processes.
• House Captains: Leaders who promote school spirit, organize house events, and encourage healthy competition and camaraderie among students.
• Prefects and Head Students: Senior students who take on responsibilities such as mentoring younger peers, assisting in school events, and representing the school at external functions.

These roles empower students to take initiative in promoting sustainability within the school and the broader community.

Integration of the OIC Sustainability Curriculum

GFD integrates sustainability into its curriculum through thematic and experiential learning opportunities:

• Key Stage 1 Curriculum: Includes topics such as ‘Let’s stop waste’ and ‘looking after our commons’, which are designed to give students a basic understanding of what sustainability is and promotes collaboration and critical thinking about sustainability.
• Key Stage 2 Curriculum: Includes topics such as "Saving The Rainforests" and "Climate Control," which are designed to deepen students' understanding of environmental issues and develops problem solving about sustainability.
• Experiential Learning: Educational visits to wildlife centres and local heritage sites to understand environmental conservation and cultural sustainability practices.

These curriculum components align with the principles of the OIC Sustainability Curriculum, fostering environmental stewardship and social responsibility among students.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives

GFD serves as an innovation and sustainability hub, committed to cutting-edge research and sustainable practices:

• Innovation and Sustainability Focus: The school incorporates principles of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, emphasising the importance of sustainability in modern business operations.
• Project-Based Learning: Students engage in real-world problem-solving through projects that address environmental challenges, promoting innovation and practical application of sustainability concepts.
• Oxford International Curriculum: Students from years 1-6 for 1 hour a week follow a creative and structured curriculum that supports students developing their subject knowledge and eco-literacy.

These initiatives ensure that students are at the forefront of industry advancements and prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

If you need further details or assistance in developing specific sustainability programs or student-led initiatives, feel free to ask!