Grade 2 Helping the Environment

One of the essential elements of the Primary Years Programme is "action". Action can be defined as "demonstrations of deeper learning in responsible behaviour through responsible action" (Making the PYP Happen, International Baccalaureate Organization, 2007).

In the summer of 2009, the current 2nd Grade class at Southbank Kensington took action, raising money to donate forest trees to Holland Park, which was then subsidised by the council's park and leisure services. The students, parents, staff, as well as members of the council from the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, continued to take action by participating in a tree planting ceremony last term. This coincided with National Tree Week, which was from 25 November to 6 December 2009. Tree specialists supported the children and the local press attended to cover the event.

The students read the poem The Heart of the Tree by Henry Cuyler Bunner and after a safety briefing, got to work digging, planting, and of course naming, the trees. The trees now live in the woodland enclosures of Holland Park and the students will be able to monitor their progress for years to come. Special thanks go to parent Kris Banghart for initiating and organising this remarkable event.