Read on to find out why the judges voted The Grange Institution for Best Environmental Initiative for the second time at Singapore Education Awards 2022.
Sustainability is the key to a better future. As such, it’s only natural that our students should learn about it to be global citizens of tomorrow. Many schools focus on being eco-friendly; some have even incorporated sustainability into their curriculum. The Best Environmental Initiative category in our Singapore Education Awards 2022 celebrates schools that put effort into teaching our littlies the importance of taking care of our planet.
So what does it take to be a school with the Best Environmental Initiative? The judges are looking for a school that promotes sustainability in both its curriculum and infrastructure, one that’s all about eco-friendly ethics and green spaces.
Why did The Grange Institution win Best Environmental Initiative 2022?
Instead of building green spaces into the school compound, The Grange Institution actually exists within a green space itself. It’s no wonder the school brought home the award for two consecutive years! Originally three acres of farmland, the school preserved the surroundings by designing learning spaces within and around the site. The campus has over a hundred varieties of plants that mimic the structure of a natural forest. This includes an eco-garden and food forest where the school community harvests regularly. This fresh organic produce – we’re talking about eggplant, long beans, chillies, and more – are shared within and beyond the school. Students can bring some home to be made into meals; some are shared with the neighbouring elderly care centre, and some are even sold to raise funds for charity!
The school’s Green Granger initiative champions education for sustainable development
Maintaining a green campus aside, The Grange also has its very own Green Granger initiative to cultivate genuine love and appreciation of nature among its young students. Students are actively involved in preserving the green spaces surrounding the campus. They get to see how food is grown and help harvest them first-hand, rather than through textbooks and videos.
This teaches them to appreciate the environment more and gain a stronger awareness of global issues. Aside from that, The Green Granger initiative develops students into Active Citizens who proactively respect and protect the environment as well.
Why we love The Grange
Ronald Stones OBE, Founding Director of The Grange, shared that the school believes in its role as educationalists to inspire students to develop a passion for sustainability. “This is not limited to sustainability of the environment so that future generations will continue to thrive on our planet. It’s also about sustainability of society that comes from acts of kindness, empathy and understanding through learning, working and living together,” he explained.
We really appreciate the effort The Grange has put into incorporating sustainability into its curriculum. From demonstrating farm-to-table to sharing its fresh produce with the community – the school showcases how the importance of sustainability can be taught from a young age. Plus, we’re told that the school is planning to create a new Learning Forest within its campus, complete with forest school-inspired learning spaces, climbers, farm, and more! We can’t wait!
Congratulations, The Grange Institution!
This post is in partnership with The Grange Institution.
