“Climate change is one of the defining challenges facing today’s young people”
Students and staff from across Meridian Trust came together on World Environment Day (5 June) for the Trust’s inaugural Environment Day, a landmark event designed to inspire climate action, strengthen environmental leadership and empower young people to drive change within their schools and communities.
Hosted at Weldon Village Academy, the event brought together over 140 student Eco-Council representatives and staff Climate Champions from all 14 Meridian Trust secondary schools. The day marked a significant step in the Trust’s commitment to embedding sustainability across every aspect of school life, from curriculum and estates management to student leadership and community engagement.
Meridian Environment Day was created to unite the Trust community around a shared commitment to ensuring every student understands the realities of the climate challenge and feels empowered with the knowledge, confidence and motivation to make a difference. The event celebrated the work already taking place across Meridian schools while laying the foundations for future climate action projects led by students themselves.
Throughout the day, students participated in a series of interactive workshops and practical activities designed to deepen their understanding of climate change and equip them with the tools to create meaningful change.
Students took part in sustainability site audits across Weldon Village Academy, learning how to assess biodiversity, energy use, waste management and environmental quality. They also attended climate science sessions led by Meridian Trust curriculum specialists and science education partners, exploring the scientific evidence behind climate change and developing their confidence in interpreting environmental data.
Patricia, a Year 10 student from The Ferrers School, said the sessions helped her discover new perspectives: “I learned a lot of things today I wasn’t aware of, even though I consider myself quite well informed about climate change. I have definitely been challenged to think differently, and I loved the sessions on climate science.”
A dedicated Climate Action Workshop, delivered by youth engagement organisation Another Way, encouraged students to move beyond awareness and consider how individuals and communities can take practical action. Through discussion, collaboration and real-world examples, students explored how their own voices and ideas can contribute to a more sustainable future. Daniel, a Year 7 student from Weldon Village Academy, described the day as “really engaging” and said it was valuable to hear different perspectives on climate change.
The event also provided opportunities for students from across the Trust to connect and collaborate. Paul, a Year 10 student from The Ferrers School, said one of the highlights was “talking to other students from across Trust schools – it was so enlightening to consider different perspectives.”
The day concluded with each school’s Eco-Council beginning work on a sustainability project timeline, identifying actions they can take within their own school communities during the next academic year. Reflecting on the impact of the event, Edie, a Year 8 student from Ely College, said: “I found today really empowering and it has given me hope for the future. I am excited to go back to my school to put some of these ideas into action.”
Mike Smith, Curriculum Director of Geography at Meridian Trust and one of the organisers of the event, said: “Climate change is one of the defining challenges facing today’s young people. Environment Day is about ensuring our students not only understand the science behind that challenge, but also recognise their own ability to be part of the solution. It has been inspiring to see students from across the Trust collaborating, sharing ideas and beginning to develop projects that will make a real difference within their schools and communities.”
The event forms part of Meridian Trust’s Climate Action strategy and wider commitment to sustainability and climate education. By bringing together students from across the Trust to collaborate, share ideas and learn from one another, Environment Day demonstrated the power of collective action and the important role young people can play in shaping a more sustainable future.
As schools return to their communities, students will continue developing the projects initiated during the event, turning learning into action and ensuring that sustainability remains a defining feature of life across Meridian Trust.
Meridian Trust academies include: Great Ouse Primary Academy in Bedford, Harrold Primary Academy, Lincroft Academy in Oakley, Oakley Primary Academy, Sharnbrook Academy, and Stratton School in Biggleswade.
