Call to action on climate change at Speech Day 2018

It was an evening of celebration, with students' efforts and achievements throughout the school year recognised, from academic achievement, attitude and progress to outstanding leadership and contribution to the wider school community.

We were joined by Dr Emily Shuckburgh OBE - climate scientist, mathematician, author, fellow of Darwin College at the University of Cambridge, fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society and co-chair of their Climate Science Communications Group, fellow of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and associate fellow of the Centre for Science and Policy.

Based at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Dr Shuckburgh’s name has become synonymous with the world’s leading climate science research, and with the communication of that research to universities, governments and children. Sharing in our Foundation’s commitment to creative and pioneering approaches to education, Dr Shuckburgh is a serial collaborator when it comes to finding innovative avenues for engaging children with climate science.

Much of the student work showcased at Speech Day looked at environmental responsibility and global citizenship, so we were hugely inspired and motivated by guest speaker Dr Shuckburgh's powerful message about polar science and climate change:

This video is the result of a recent project where, in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Hay Festival Trans.MISSION series premiered, featuring pairs of scientists and illustrators merging climate science and art. Dr Shuckburgh partnered with illustrator Chris Haughton to offer this inside look at polar science through narration and illustration.

Our students' futures will include challenges and opportunities that we can only imagine in today's world. It's more important than ever that that we equip them not just with the skills to pass exams and gain qualifications, but also with the tools they will need to make their mark in tomorrow's world.

Our thanks to Dr Shuckburgh for inspiring us, and our congratulations to each and every one of our 2018 prizewinners.