From composting to community: How one London school turned Great Big Green Week into something much bigger
At Woodford County High School in Redbridge, Great Big Green Week has become much more than a one-off event.
Over the past two years, students and staff have grown their activities year on year - bringing together parents, local organisations, councillors and the wider community through practical action for climate and nature.
From food waste and composting workshops to sewing and repair sessions, biodiversity projects and outdoor learning, Great Big Green Week has helped create space for creativity, leadership and community action across the school.
“We wanted to mark the end of our first year with a green, community-based activity,” explains Zerin, the school’s Sustainability Lead. “That’s when we found Great Big Green Week and all the ideas and inspiration that came with it.”
Image caption: Students and staff taking part in Great Big Green Week at Woodford County High School, Redbridge
Using Great Big Green Week resources and ideas as a starting point, the school connected with groups including Redbridge Council, Woodford Greeners and Mums for Lungs, helping turn their plans into a true community effort.
Students at the heart of it
Students quickly became central to shaping the week itself.
“We already had a successful Eco Committee,” says Jess, Student Projects Lead at the school. “The students helped influence a huge range of activities throughout the week.”
Over the two years, activities have included a Redbridge Council “Love Food Not Waste” composting workshop, biodiversity and upcycling sessions run by local volunteers, outdoor lessons led by the Science and MFL departments, poetry competitions organised by the English department, and student-led projects like a nature photography competition and the Year 12 Legacy Garden Competition.
Image caption: Students and staff taking part in Great Big Green Week at Woodford County High School, Redbridge
The wider school community also got involved through Fairtrade bake sales, plastic-free picnics, Meat Free Monday with catering staff, plant swaps and upcycling competitions.
The school even held a non-uniform day and upcycled fashion competition which raised more than £1,000 for charity.
What’s changed, and what’s next
But the impact didn’t stop there.
Since taking part in Great Big Green Week, the school has seen almost double the number of students joining its Eco Committee, with older students now mentoring younger year groups and leading projects themselves.
“This year we want students to lead even more of the activities,” says Zerin. “The older students are already helping guide younger students through projects, which has created a fantastic sense of agency and community spirit.”
Image caption: Students and staff taking part in Great Big Green Week plant at Woodford County High School, Redbridge
The school has also expanded sustainability across the curriculum itself, helping climate and nature become part of everyday school life rather than a standalone topic.
For students, Great Big Green Week has become a chance not just to learn about climate and nature, but to feel part of something hopeful and collective.
“The workshops helped me connect with others, explore new ways of thinking and build confidence,” said student Doanita, reflecting on sustainability and wellbeing activities linked to Great Big Green Week. “I came away feeling inspired to keep making a positive difference.”
Get your school involved in Great Big Green Week
Schools across the UK are already taking part in Great Big Green Week in lots of different ways - from eco clubs and assemblies to community events, creative projects and local action.
We’ve created free primary and secondary school resource packs linked to the national curriculum, packed with activities and ideas for all ages.
Schools can also join our live lesson with a school in Malawi on 11 June, in partnership with Save the Children, helping students explore what it’s like to live with the impacts of climate change and connect with young people across the world.
Whether you’re planning a whole-school celebration or a simple classroom activity, Great Big Green Week is a chance to bring students, staff and communities together for climate and nature.
Watch Woodford County High School’s story below and find out how your school can get involved in Great Big Green Week.
Get involved
Find out more about how your schools can participate in this year’s Great Big Green Week, including by accessing free school resource packs, signing up for the Malawi live lesson on 11 June and more. Read more.