A day for the planet: students dive into climate change

A Drop Down Day brought the entire school together on Monday 24 June to focus on one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change.

The day was designed to give students a broad, interdisciplinary look at environmental challenges, sustainability and the role we all play in shaping the future of our planet.

Across every subject, students explored climate change from different perspectives -scientific, creative, cultural, and ethical.

A cross-curricular look at climate change

From art rooms to science labs, students engaged in a wide variety of activities:

Art students examined the environmental impact of fast fashion and explored sustainable materials in their creative work.

In Music, pupils listened to and reflected on a powerful composition inspired by a melting glacier, considering how art can convey environmental messages.

English lessons focused on the language used in climate discourse, with students analysing how emotive words shape public perception and awareness.

In Food Technology, students cooked using sustainable recipes and explored the benefits of locally sourced ingredients.

Over in Geography, pupils assessed how well The Bicester School itself is prepared for the effects of climate change – bringing the global issue right to their doorstep.

History lessons tackled the misconception that climate change is only a modern concern, uncovering early discussions and historical examples of environmental awareness.

In Maths, students worked with real climate data, using scatter graphs to spot patterns and trends.

Science classes deepened understanding of the greenhouse effect and the science behind global warming.

Finally, Religion and Worldviews classes investigated climate change scepticism, encouraging thoughtful discussion around beliefs, misinformation, and responsibility.

Learning through experience

The day offered a mix of facts, creativity, debate and critical thinking. It sparked meaningful conversations, encouraged reflection and inspired many students to think more deeply about their personal impact on the environment.

History teacher Oscar Maddox said: “The aims of the Drop Down Day were to encourage students to learn about a whole world issue across the curriculum. Students got to enjoy a varied diet of different lessons over the course of the day, and the passion of their teachers shone through. Students were really engaged in their learning and grappled with some interesting and thought provoking concepts. We are so proud of our school community and this day put that on full display.”