Following Earth Day, our school dedicated three exciting days to Project-Based Learning with a whole-school theme of sustainability. Pupils from Prep 1 to Prep 7 explored how everyday waste impacts our planet—and, more importantly, what we can do about it. Each year group took on a different type of waste and engaged in hands-on projects, lively debates, artistic creations, and collaborative challenges, all focused on reducing, reusing, and rethinking our choices. Here’s a snapshot of what each year group got up to:
"Little Recyclers, Big Impact!"
Prep 1 pupils used collected cartons and plastic to create crafts and design a poster about recycling. They also made "Recycling Hero" badges and used recycled items to create musical instruments.
Prep 2 pupils explored how small actions at home can protect the planet by researching sustainable gardening, saving water, and creating posters, diagrams, and recipes for eco-friendly cleaning products. They also decorated and labelled recycling bins to learn how to sort household waste correctly.
Prep 3 conducted local surveys, compared global transport methods, designed their own eco-transport models, and worked together to build a sustainable version of Mission Hills as a model eco-community.
"Paper Trail: From Tree to Trash"
Prep 4 pupils explored the journey of paper from trees to recycling. They created a 3D process board using natural materials, made recycled paper, completed a scavenger hunt and survey, and designed an advert campaign with slogans, jingles, and badges to encourage paper recycling, which they recorded and shared via QR codes.
Prep 5 pupils explored the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean, learning about its causes, effects, and how it harms marine life. They created a mural from recycled plastics, designed reusable tote bags with eco-messages, and made informative posters promoting plastic alternatives to raise awareness across the school.
"Feeding the Planet Responsibly"
Prep 6 pupils investigated the issues of food insecurity and food waste, examining their causes, impact, and possible solutions. They analysed food waste in the school canteen, created informative posters with practical tips, planned a no-waste party with careful shopping lists, and cooked recipes designed to minimise food waste.
"Fast Fashion, Slow the Waste"
Prep 7 pupils explored the environmental and ethical issues of fast fashion through the "Fashion Revolution – Sustainable Clothing" project. They worked in teams to design and create outfits using recycled materials, overcoming construction challenges, and showcasing their creations in a Sustainable Fashion Show.
Specialist Subjects added further depth. In Art, pupils created large-scale "Recycle" sculptures, experimented with plant printing, and designed three-dimensional earth protection crafts using recycled materials.
In Music, pupils helped prepare props for musical performances, including making recycled instruments and jungle-themed decorations. In the Library, Prep 1 to 4 pupils created collages and bookmarks from damaged books, while Prep 5 to 7 pupils researched and recommended environmental protection books and websites, enhancing their reading, writing, and research skills.
The three days were not only engaging and memorable but also empowered our pupils with the knowledge and motivation to be true changemakers. Through cross-curricular learning, hands-on tasks, and critical thinking, our young learners proved that sustainability starts with small steps—and they’re already making big ones.
