Sustainability at Leyton Sixth Form College
Leyton Sixth Form College recognises that its operations have an impact on the environment and is committed to minimising this impact through the adoption of sustainable practices and the setting of clear targets for continuous improvement in environmental performance. In addition, the College is dedicated to educating students to reflect on sustainability in their everyday actions, helping them to understand how small behavioural choices contribute to wider environmental outcomes. Through curriculum activities, enrichment, and careers guidance, we support learners to consider how sustainability can shape their future pathways and how they can incorporate environmentally responsible thinking into their chosen careers.
Earth Day – LSC will be raising awareness of environmental issues by putting on a series of events to mark Earth Day (April 22nd). Students will be able to take part in a nature poetry competition; visit a healthy living display; and engage with the library display on environmental sustainability. Students will also learn about Earth Day and its importance via the tutorial programme.
Trips and visits – 15 geography students will be engaging in a sustainable urban design workshop at the V&A Warehouse in the Olympic Park in April. Waltham Forest Borough Council will be visiting LSC in April to support conservation pathway student’s understanding of flood management issues and their impact on local species. Students will be attending the sustainable careers expo at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May. There will be a nature walk in the Walthamstow Wetlands in June.
Jack Petchey Award – Well done to the two students who have won the Jack Petchey Environment Award for 2025/2026. The students won the awards for outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, both at the college, and within the local community.
Waste reduction and separation – The college is committed to reducing waste and saving energy. There are a number of schemes in place. These include the collection of food waste which is anaerobically digested into biofuel through Biffa waste services; and the recycling of batteries, pens and markers, and printer toner. The college is on a green energy tariff for electricity. LSC is officially 100% LED, saving energy and reducing carbon footprint.
Carbon Literacy – Students on the Environment Conservation Pathway are currently working towards the Carbon Literacy Award which has been introduced to the curriculum during 2025/6
OCR Certificate in Sustainability – This enrichment qualification, equivalent to half an A level will be introduced during 2026/7. For the assessment component, students will sit an exam focusing on aspects of social, economic and environmental sustainability. They will also complete an NEA (research project) relating to a sustainability issue.
Environment Conservation Pathway – Students on this enrichment course get to learn and engage in a range of conservation activities based in the College Wildlife Garden and at local nature reserves. In addition, members of this pathway are participating in a range of external sustainability-related trips and visits. Students on this programme run a stall at the annual LSC ‘Big Bang’ science event.
Sustainability Careers events – The college actively engages with external organisations to promote careers in the sustainability sector. Visits to a variety of organisations have been organised in collaboration with Local London Careers Hub East.
Sustainable travel – The college has a cycle to work scheme in place to encourage staff to leave the car at home and support the reduction of pollution and promotion of healthy exercise. The college also provides season ticket loans to encourage staff to use public transport as an alternative to the car.
Student volunteering – A number of students are volunteering in the college wildlife garden and local nature reserves as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Community engagement – Where possible, LSC seeks to engage with the local community. For example, year 9 students from local schools are invited to the annual ‘Big Bang’ science event. In addition, local residents receive discounts to college sports facilities such as the gym.
Cost reduction – The reduction of electricity usage by converting to LED lighting and the use of BMS smart controls has lowered the overall college running costs. The aim is to further reduce costs by reducing gas usage.
Research – Research is ongoing to find projects which could be environmentally and financially beneficial. This includes solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Financial literacy – Staff have access to workshops providing practical advice on a variety of money-saving tips
Digital transformation – The college is saving paper and costs through the introduction of a range of digital systems used for curriculum and operational purposes
The college recognises the importance of engaging young people with sustainability. Wherever possible, the college will integrate sustainability into curriculum subjects. For example, the Visual Arts & Media department upcycle materials such as old shoes and clothes and they are used by students to produce their artwork. The Business team incorporate sustainability into their teaching e.g. the impacts of ‘greenwashing’ and the ‘circular economy.’ Geography and Environment Conservation Pathway students learn about the impact of climate change on different aspects of the environment and on society. The college tutorial system engages all students with a range of social issues including the climate crisis and what we can do to mitigate and adapt to it.
