BISP hosted Eco Week from the 4th to the 7th of June, a vibrant and educational event focused on promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness among students and the school community. This year’s Eco Week, primarily initiated by Miyuka as the Head of the BISP Eco Committee, took a fresh, student-led approach. The BISP Eco Committee, including Miyuka, Paige, Duana, Taisiia, Katie, Deepika, Ember, Mammoth, Leia, and Jay organised the event and their efforts were further supported by various IB CAS students, teachers, parents (PTA), and external organisations.

“I wanted to bring back Eco Week to the BISP community but with a new, student-led approach. With education for sustainable development becoming increasingly important, I wanted to host an event where all students could learn about sustainability, either by hosting or participating in activities,” said Miyuka

Throughout the week, students engaged in various activities designed to educate and inspire them to take action for the environment. The week kicked off on the Secondary Schools Wellbeing Day, and featured fundraising stalls and booths organised by local non-profits such as Soi Dog and Sustainable Mai Khao. Year 7 students participated in a scavenger hunt to learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while Year 10 students worked on proposals to make BISP more sustainable as part of their wellbeing day activities. 

“Eco Week was a great opportunity to educate the younger students about the environment in a way that I wish I had been educated when I was their age,” said Paige, a Year 12 BISP student, reflecting on the impact of the activities.

In Early Years, the youngest members of the BISP community also participated in Eco Week activities. Reception students focused on reducing food waste, while Nursery students collected paper scraps to create their own recycled paper.

A notable long-term initiative was the collection of recyclable materials, with the BISP community contributing significantly. Over the past few months, they collected 140 kg of mixed paper, 80 kg of A4 paper, 85 kg of plastic bottles, 30 kg of cans, 6 kg of tin cans, and 13 kg of mixed plastic. This effort highlights the community’s commitment to recycling and reducing waste.

Additionally, educational displays created by BISP students, featuring endangered animals, were showcased throughout the week. These displays not only raised awareness about endangered species but also provided valuable learning opportunities for students of all ages.

On Wednesday, Primary students enjoyed face painting with plant designs to celebrate World Environment Day, followed by a renewable energy presentation by BISP DT teacher Mr. Craigen. Additionally, Miyuka introduced the Phuket Mangrove Teens project to younger students, emphasising the importance of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), while Paige discussed the critical role of soil and organisms in the ecosystem.

Secondary students had the chance to enjoy a delicious chickpea curry prepared by Mr. Greene, promoting healthy, sustainable eating practices.

Thursday brought a heartwarming activity where secondary and primary students worked together to create toys for dogs, fostering collaboration and bridging the gap between younger and older students.

The week culminated on Friday with a whole school animal-themed dress-up day, raising funds for environmental organisations. Students and staff came dressed as their favourite animals, adding a fun and engaging element to the serious cause of environmental conservation.

Reflecting on the week’s events Year 10 student reps, Daisy, Emma and Pattanasit (Mammoth), shared insights from a presentation by Michelle Mouillé of Sustainable Maikhao Foundation, an organisation dedicated to reducing plastic waste and keeping Phuket’s beaches clean. Students learned about the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment and brainstormed ways to make BISP more eco-friendly. They then created infographics, Google Sites, and reels to raise awareness about the various issues and finally drafted a letter proposing some new eco-friendly initiatives to BISP’s Head of School Mr. Meredith.

The 2024 Eco Week at BISP not only provided students with valuable knowledge about sustainability but also empowered them to take action and make a positive impact on their community and the environment. With the collective efforts of students, teachers, and the entire BISP community, Eco Week 2024 was a resounding success, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that will continue to thrive.