This year, Manor House School, Bookham was proud to take part as a trailblazer school for the brand-new Environment Leaders Programme, an exciting initiative from the Leadership Skills Foundation. Senior School pupils in Years 9, 10, and 11 took on the challenge of leading the way in environmental action. What they achieved was nothing short of inspiring!
As part of the programme, young leaders planned, managed, and delivered hands-on activities designed to inspire younger pupils about sustainability and the natural world. One of their most successful projects was the creation of their own in-school garden centre, aptly named “Roots and Shoots.” Starting completely from scratch, pupils grew over 250 plants from seed, designed a striking logo, and even raised over £80 for charity through plant sales at school events, including our summer charity 'Theme Week' afternoon and school productions.
The enthusiasm and teamwork behind Roots and Shoots were so strong that the project has now become a weekly co-curricular club, continuing to flourish and inspire even more pupils to get their hands dirty for a good cause. There’s a new development this year where the pupils have cultivated lettuce and herb tubs to help keep the school guinea pigs happy and well fed!
Their second major project, “Plant Circus” , welcomed a group of eager Year 4 pupils from the Prep School to take part in a fun-filled, educational carousel of activities. Working in pairs and small groups, the Environment Leaders designed interactive workshops that taught the younger pupils everything from how plants grow and what seeds need to thrive, to creating their very own compostable seed pots. By the end of the day, each Year 4 pupil proudly carried home a handmade newspaper pot containing a daffodil bulb, ready to bloom in the spring and a newfound passion for nature!
The Environment Leaders Programme has been a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, all while making a positive impact on the planet. Their creativity, dedication, and environmental spirit have set an incredible example for the whole school community and certainly ticks our school value of #FutureLeaders.
With projects like Roots and Shoots continuing to grow, it’s safe to say our student leaders are planting the seeds of change, and watching them flourish.
Manor House School, is a independent through-school with a Nursery, Prep School and Senior School in Surrey. Set in 17-acres of beautiful grounds, pupils benefit from being surrounded by nature which supports their own wellbeing and growth.
