Hathershaw College hosts Trust's inaugural student and pupil eco conference

The Pinnacle Learning Trust held its inaugural Trust Student and Pupil Eco Conference this week.

Hosted by the Hathershaw College, all of the Trust's student eco groups from its trust academies, across all age ranges, came together to share their sustainability ideas; plant trees and shrubs outside; work through mindfulness activities; listen to guest speakers; raise any concerns within their schools; and, meet staff sustainability representatives.

The day was opened by Hathershaw Principal, Mark Giles, providing an impassioned speech, engaging our audience and setting the stage for a productive and enjoyable day.

Students are really passionate about their responsibility to care for the environment and exhibited a real enthusiasm for creating change.

Oldham Sixth Form Pupil and Eco-Ambassador Katie Smith led the eco pledge created and signed by all pupils and students in attendance, highlighting how as a combined trust they can make a difference.

Staff were grateful to valued partners, Churchills Cleaning Services and to SSE Energy, for helping with supporting students at the Eco Conference.

Sharon Taylor, from Churchills, led an engaging quiz highlighting to students and pupils how much waste we produce and how easy it is to make change.

The event closed with a combined litter pick and tree planting session, complemented with a session of planting and potting with the school's peace garden.

Children planted bulbs, seedlings and saplings together, in a symbolic moment of collaboration and care for their environment.

The Woodland Trust donated the trees and shrubs, which were planted.

Trust chiefs hope the Eco Conference becomes the first of many annual events.

Chief Financial Officer and Trust Sustainability Group Chair, Stewart Ash, said: "We really enjoyed seeing our students across all age groups, working together so enthusiastically and passionately on a range of sustainability activities.

"The event was a great success and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.

"Thanks to all who played their part, both on the day and in the planning stages, to deliver and facilitate such an engaging and inspiring conference".

Corrine Redmond, from Churchills Cleaning Services, said: "We can't thank the Pinnacle Trust enough for allowing Churchill Group to be part of your event.

"It was a pleasure to see everyone come together to support the move forward to sustain a better future.

"It was a great success!"

Katie Smith, OSFC student and Eco-Ambassador, said: "I think it is super important to work with and teach young people all about the environment and why we should protect it, so that they continue to develop that passion throughout their lives.

"Change starts with education and we can make more of a difference in protecting our natural world when as many people as possible are involved."

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