At Rathfern Primary School, sustainability, social justice and active citizenship sit at the heart of our educational vision. For many years, we have nurtured a culture where children feel empowered to take meaningful action for their world. Our Eco Council helps drive this mission forward, grounding pupil leadership in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a global framework for creating a fairer, greener and more peaceful future.

As a Rights Respecting School, we believe that when children understand their rights, they develop the confidence and moral purpose to become changemakers. The SDGs strengthen this work by giving pupils a real-world context for learning about social, economic and environmental issues, and by encouraging them to take informed, purposeful action.

Our Approach to Sustainable Education

At Rathfern, sustainability is not a standalone topic—it is woven throughout our curriculum, assemblies, projects and community partnerships.

We are currently developing our Rathfern Climate & Sustainability Action Plan, aligned with national guidance and the Department for Education’s sustainability strategy. This plan focuses on four key pillars:

• Understanding the science of climate change

• Developing sustainable habits and behaviours

• Supporting climate resilience and wellbeing

• Promoting climate leadership and community action

We know that deep understanding must go hand in hand with effective communication. Children need the tools to express their ideas confidently, listen to others, debate solutions and advocate for change. Oracy is central to this, enabling pupils to articulate their thinking clearly and respectfully as they engage with complex challenges.

Rights, Agency and the SDGs

Children’s rights are deeply connected to the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs reflect every child’s right to:

• a safe environment

• clean water

• good health

• education

• equality

• participation in decisions that affect them

When children understand these rights, they gain a powerful foundation for action. At Rathfern, pupils explore the SDGs to make sense of local and global issues, identify barriers to change, and design creative solutions.

Our curriculum brings the SDGs to life, helping pupils see the relevance of their learning and the impact of their own voice. Throughout the school, children develop the values, skills and confidence needed to think critically, act ethically and challenge injustice.

Our Vision

At Rathfern, we are proud to have pupils who take an active lead in improving our school, community and world. As Eco & Community Ambassadors, pupils connect learning to real social and environmental action, using their voices to make positive change.

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our ambassadors work collaboratively as global citizens to create a more sustainable, fair and caring world.

What Our Ambassadors Do

Our pupil ambassadors:

• identify issues affecting our environment and community

• campaign for positive change

• plan and run projects that make a real difference

• work with local organisations and partners

• promote sustainability, equality and social responsibility in school life

• take pride in being active, responsible citizens

Through commitment, drive and passion, they have designed and delivered meaningful projects that benefit others.

Projects and Actions

There have been many other projects such as Anti-idlying campaigns, Macmillans, Fairtrade and Climate action protest to name a few. Children at Rathfern are change makers and take pride in being actively involved in making positive changes for their school and local community and will continue to be involved in social action projects that connect with their communities.

Other Student-led Initiatives

Our pupils have also championed:

• Anti-idling campaigns

• Macmillan fundraising

• Fairtrade initiatives

• Climate action protests

• Food bank support

Our Children Are Changemakers

Children at Rathfern are active, compassionate changemakers. They take pride in their role, lead with purpose and continue to inspire positive action within school and the wider community.

We believe children are powerful agents of change. Their actions today help build a fairer, greener future for everyone.