Sydney primary school launches outdoor lessons to cut carbon footprint, electricity usage

Students at a Sydney primary school have begun taking classes outdoors in a climate conscious move to cut the school’s carbon footprint.

Classes such as reading now join PE in outdoor areas.

Students at a north shore primary school have begun taking classes outdoors in a climate conscious move to cut the school’s carbon footprint.

Middle Harbour Public School at Mosman has launched a new program involving up to two classes held in the great outdoors each day as a way of addressing the school’s use of electricity.

The outdoor lesson model was based on an idea by Year 6 students Evie Payten and Henrietta Boden who thought the school could use less power if more lessons were held outside.

Evie said the idea came from waiting to extend the annual Earth Hour climate awareness event into a school-based activity.

“We have great outdoor areas (and) we thought it should be used for all classes for outdoor lessons,” she said.

A photo of the school.

The program began this term and involves classes such as reading and drama being taught in outside areas alongside PE.

Despite the cold winter months approaching, students say they are dedicated to seeing the program through.

The program began at the school this month.

The program is designed to cut electricity use at the school.

“When I’m in the classroom and I have a blank mind, then I end up staring out the window,” Evie said. “But when we’re outside and you’re stuck on something, you can just take a big, deep breath of fresh air and get on with it.

“We love learning outside because if it’s a really cold day then we can go learn in the sun and the asphalt is always really warm to sit on.”

The idea has the support of staff including deputy principal Carole Jaye who said the school’s outdoor classrooms were often under-utilised.

Evie and Henrietta are also encouraging other schools to take up the initiative.

David Hope, president of the Northern Sydney District P&C Association, believes most parents would support the initiative.

“Parents have a wide view on climate change and some will say we don’t believe in climate change and we shouldn’t be indoctrinating kids in the school environment,” he said. “But the vast majority would be very happy for lessons that teach kids to think about the environment.

“The teachers have to be applauded for doing it – they’ve taken on the challenge.

“If you can provide that space – apart from the good it’s doing to students being outside – it’s learning about the environment.”