Inspiring Sustainability Workshop

This week our Year 7 students took part in an exciting and thought-provoking Sustainability Workshop, delivered in school by Ascot Racecourse and Learning to Work, in conjunction with our Science department.

The workshop, 'Racing to Zero: Designing a Sustainable Future', used Ascot Racecourse as a real-world case study to help students explore current environmental challenges and consider how large, complex organisations are working towards a more sustainable future. Through collaboration, creativity and problem-solving, students were encouraged to design innovative solutions and reflect on the role individuals and industries play in protecting the environment.

Across the two-hour interactive session, students explored a range of sustainability issues including climate change and biodiversity, energy use, water conservation, recycling, food waste and sustainable supply chains. They visited interactive “sustainability zones” focused on different areas of the racecourse, culminating in a Racing to Zero Challenge, where students designed their own vision for a “Sustainable Race Day of the Future”

The workshop strongly complemented learning across Science, Geography, Citizenship, Design & Technology and Business, helping students to see how classroom knowledge connects to real-world decision-making and future careers. Delivered by experienced Learning to Work facilitators and supported by Ascot business volunteers, the sessions were highly engaging, age-appropriate and rich in real-world context.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Ascot Racecourse and Learning to Work for providing this inspiring opportunity. Experiences like this enhance our school’s wider provision, broadening students’ horizons, strengthening essential skills such as teamwork and communication, and reinforcing our commitment to high-quality science and sustainability education.The timing of the workshop also aligned perfectly with National Apprenticeships Week, highlighting the growing range of opportunities available within the green sector. From sustainability and environmental science to renewable energy and land management, there are many exciting pathways for young people interested in making a positive impact. A host of green apprenticeship and practical experience opportunities can be explored here. 

By bringing learning to life through partnerships such as this, we continue to ensure our students are not only academically prepared, but also inspired and informed about the opportunities ahead.