“Global surface temperatures rising, glaciers melting, oceans warming, sea levels rising, rain forests burning, coral reefs dying, old-growth forests disappearing, deserts spreading, the world’s population increasing, and species vanishing at the highest rates since the extinction of the dinosaurs …...” are characteristics of the world in which our current pupils find themselves. Our girls must not graduate from St Anne’s and continue to contribute to this deterioration of our environment.  We need to prepare them to be responsible environmental citizens.

Apart from the benefits of environmental education for the environment and its inhabitants, there is also increasing evidence of the link between environment and learning. “The more studies are published, the more they agree: exposure to nature raises test scores; increases creativity, co-operation, and self-confidence; reduces stress; and enhances cognitive abilities.” We need to ensure that our buildings and campus best facilitate a 21^st Century appropriate education, and that all future development of our campus honours our commitment to exemplary environmental practices.

We are currently in a race against time with regards to preserving our planet. We cannot afford to lose this race and thus need to equip our Old Girls to be “environmental winners”.