Climate change is no longer a distant challenge — it is a reality that touches every aspect of our lives.
From the air we breathe to the choices we make as consumers, its impact is global, interconnected, and urgent. This year, our students are proud to take part in the HPL Student Competition: The Climate Action Initiative, an international project inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action
The initiative invites young people to explore one of the most pressing issues of our time through creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Students are challenged to create an original art piece using recycled materials, transforming waste into a powerful visual commentary on climate change, pollution, and consumer culture.
Art as a Voice for Change
Through their work, our students reflect on key questions:
- What is climate change, and who is responsible?
- How do pollution and overconsumption contribute to environmental damage?
- Why do recycling and conscious consumer choices matter?
- What role can young people play in driving meaningful, positive change?
Each artwork tells a story — not only about environmental challenges, but also about hope, responsibility, and action. By repurposing discarded materials, students highlight the hidden cost of everyday consumption while demonstrating how creativity can become a force for sustainability.
From Concept to Climate Action Pitch
Alongside the creation of their art pieces, our students have also filmed a video presentation in which they present their Climate Action Pitch. In this video, students explain the concept behind their artwork, reflect on the environmental issues it addresses, and share their ideas for real-world solutions.
The pitch allows students to articulate their thinking clearly and confidently — connecting creativity with action. Through this process, they explore how recycling, responsible consumption, and everyday choices can contribute to tackling climate change, while demonstrating their understanding of global environmental challenges and their role in shaping a more sustainable future.
The video format adds an important dimension to the project, giving students a platform to express their views, advocate for change, and communicate their message beyond the classroom.
The competition also aligns closely with High Performance Learning values, fostering student agency, collaboration, open-minded thinking, and purposeful problem-solving — skills that prepare learners not just for academic success, but for responsible global citizenship.
Empowering the Next Generation
By participating in the Climate Action Initiative, our students are reminded that age is not a barrier to influence. Their voices matter. Their ideas matter. And through creativity, they are helping to shape conversations about climate responsibility and the future of our planet.
We are incredibly proud of their commitment, imagination, and willingness to engage with one of the world’s most important challenges — proving that change can begin with a single idea, a recycled material, and the courage to speak up.
Importantly, every pupil in the Junior School, from Reception to Year 6, took part in this project during the Junior School Eco Symposium Days in January. Each child created a unique and original artwork made entirely from recycled materials, exploring environmental themes through creativity and hands-on learning. This collective effort highlights not only our commitment to sustainability, but also the power of early environmental education in shaping responsible, informed global citizens.
This initiative was truly a whole-school project. In December, five members of our Senior Eco Committee led assemblies for pupils in Years 1–6, introducing the environmental challenges facing Lake Balkhash and setting the context for deeper learning. Building on this, Junior School pupils then took part in the project during their Eco Symposium Days in January, responding creatively to the issues through their artwork and ideas.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Jo Pullen, Head of Art, and Mary McPherson, Geography Teacher and Senior Sustainability Coordinator, for their guidance, inspiration and support throughout this project. Their commitment to sustainability, creativity and student-led learning played a key role in bringing this initiative to life and empowering our students to engage thoughtfully with one of the most important global challenges of our time.
