Creativity, sustainability and a touch of radio stardom came together this week as we were delighted to welcome founder of Science Owl, Renee Tonkin, CEO of FARA Charity Shops, Libby Gordon and Gem O’Reilly, a journalist from BBC Radio London to Francis Holland Regent’s Park for a special workshop exploring the importance of recycling and reducing waste.
Led by Renee, the workshop challenged pupils to think differently about the objects we often throw away. Inspired by our own Trash to Treasure initiative, the morning’s Broken Umbrella Challenge encouraged pupils to repurpose broken toys and household items into imaginative new creations, demonstrating that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand.
The workshop also provided a timely opportunity to discuss the impact of waste on climate change and our increasingly warming planet, particularly pertinent during this week’s heatwave! Pupils explored how conscious choices and small actions can contribute to a more sustainable future, reflecting on the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling in everyday life.
We were especially thrilled that snippets of the workshop were broadcast live on BBC Radio London on Wednesday morning. Several of our pupils were interviewed, speaking thoughtfully about the importance of recycling and why protecting the environment matters to their generation. It was wonderful to hear their voices shared with listeners across the capital and beyond.
This is not the first time we have partnered with Science Owl Education, and we are grateful to Renee for her continued work in helping to embed sustainability within our school community. Through initiatives such as Trash to Treasure and opportunities like this week’s workshop, we seek to empower pupils to think critically about the world around them and recognise the role they can play in creating positive change.
We were delighted to open our doors to Science Owl, FARA and the BBC, and hugely grateful for the opportunity for our pupils’ voices to be heard on national breakfast radio.
Listen back to Aaron Paul’s breakfast show from Wednesday 24 June 2026, ‘Heat, England game, recycling” here, and keep an ear out for some familiar voices!
