Students in Upper Primary have shown an incredible capacity for creative thinking and collaboration in the first week of the new school year. Not least when they were tasked with designing cities of the future.
By incorporating Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG15: Life on Land, they thought critically about how to create healthy, biodiverse cities.
The diverse range of ideas on show was impressive as students sought ways to incorporate green spaces and recreational areas to promote physical activity. Streets were designed to be pedestrian-friendly, encouraging walking and cycling to reduce pollution. Additionally, including clean and efficient public transportation systems considered ways to decrease air pollution levels, thus improving the overall health of residents.
To address SDG15: Life on Land, students focused on preserving natural ecosystems and promoting biodiversity within their cities. Parks and urban green spaces (including rooftop gardens and green walls) would provide habitats for local wildlife. By valuing and protecting these natural environments, students discussed how this would ensure the well-being of both humans and animals.
By involving Upper Primary students in designing these cities, we are not only teaching them about Sustainable Development Goals but also empowering them to actively participate in creating a better future. Encouraging them to think critically about how to incorporate Good Health and Wellbeing and Life on Land into their designs allows them to develop valuable problem-solving skills and become responsible citizens. As our school motto, "Create your Future" implies, these students are the architects of tomorrow - let's equip them with the knowledge and tools to build a brighter, healthier, and more sustainable world.
By James Tristram
Year 6 Kestrels Class Teacher
