Teaching students about climate change and their environment towards a sustainable future

As the Director of Fairgreen International School, nestled within the Sustainable City of Dubai, I am honoured to lead an institution that is passionately dedicated to its mission of providing exceptional international education while embracing sustainability in all its forms. At Fairgreen, our vision is clear and compelling: to be an exemplary learning community that promotes purposeful and innovative solutions for a sustainable world.

At Fairgreen, we believe that education is a powerful tool for change and that understanding and addressing climate change is a fundamental part of preparing our students for the future. We are committed to instilling in our students a deep sense of environmental stewardship and a passion for sustainability. We understand that young minds are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today.

Our journey towards creating environmentally conscious global citizens begins with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates sustainability into every aspect of learning. From science and mathematics to the arts and humanities, our students explore the interconnectedness of our world and the impact of human actions on the environment.  Sustainability is not a standalone subject at Fairgreen; it is interwoven into every facet of our educational experience.   As a fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school, interdisciplinary learning is a key part of our guiding principles (our School Pillars).

For example, in our science classes, students learn about the science behind climate change, including the greenhouse effect, rising temperatures, and the consequences for ecosystems. In mathematics, they analyse data related to environmental trends and explore mathematical models to understand climate patterns. In literature and art, they express their understanding of environmental issues through creative writing, artwork, and discussions.  The interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum allows us to create meaningful links between each of these subject areas for students to make real-world connections.

One of our standout initiatives at Fairgreen is the "Fairgreen Fresh" program. This initiative allows students to actively participate in growing vegetables and greens in our vertical and rooftop gardens on campus. This hands-on experience not only teaches them valuable gardening skills but also provides a profound understanding of where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Rachel, a Grade 7 student, enthusiastically shares her experience, "Working in the gardens has changed the way I think about food. I used to take it for granted, but now I appreciate the effort it takes to grow it sustainably. It's a small step, but I feel like I'm contributing to a better future."

Fairgreen is proud to be a part of Dr. Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program, a global youth-led initiative that empowers young people to make positive changes in their communities and for the environment. Dr. Jane Goodall's visit to our school last year left an indelible mark on our students and reinforced the importance of their actions in the global context.

John, a Grade 9 student, reflects on Dr. Goodall's visit, "Meeting Dr. Jane Goodall was a life-changing experience. Her passion for wildlife conservation and her message of hope inspired me to do more for our planet. It made me realise that even as students, we can make a difference."  Our collaboration with Roots & Shoots provides our students with a global perspective on environmental issues and reinforces the idea that their actions can have a meaningful impact beyond the boundaries of our school.

To foster a deeper connection between our students and the natural world, we regularly organise trips to the bio-domes located in the Sustainable City. These biodomes serve as living laboratories where students can observe and study different ecosystems. These immersive experiences not only reinforce classroom learning but also instill a profound appreciation for the environment.

Alexander, a Grade 5 student, expresses his excitement about these trips, "The biodome trips are like stepping into a different world. It's incredible to see how ecosystems work and how everything is connected. It's made me want to protect our planet even more."