In a world where sustainability has become paramount, the recognition of those who advocate for eco-friendly practices and environmental stewardship is more important than ever. The Grange Institution, tucked away in Singapore’s busy urban scene, has evolved as a symbol of sustainable education.
The Grange is pleased to be voted Sustainable International School of the Year at the Singapore Educational Awards 2023 organised by HoneyKids Asia. This is The Grange’s third consecutive win, following its recognition as the School with the Best Environmental Initiatives in 2021 and 2022.
A School Born in Harmony with Nature
The Grange Institution is more than a school with just a few green initiatives. It is a school inspired by nature, with sustainable learning woven into its pedagogy, demonstrating the significance of the connection between education and the environment.
Education for Sustainable Development
The Grange’s pedagogy is based on a commitment to the United Nations’ Education for Sustainable Development movement. Students here are not simply educated about sustainability; they experience it.
The school’s commitment to sustainability is strongly ingrained in its curriculum, which emphasises the importance of nature, responsible consumption, and environmental stewardship. These are done through carefully selected Units of Learning from the International Primary Curriculum’s thematic units, as well as various curated field trips and collaborative school activities.
Creators-in-Action©
The Grange’s holistic approach to sustainability is encapsulated in Creators-in-Action©. Three out of the eight core competencies, including ‘Respecting the Environment’ ‘Active Citizenship’ and ‘Recognizing Issues’, are directly linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainability goes beyond environmental practices. The Grange strives to create a sustainable environment, fostering social relationships based on kindness, empathy, and respect. By prioritizing sustainable practices in both relationships and approach to understanding others, it instills a sense of responsibility and global citizenry among students.
The ‘Green Granger’ Initiative
The Grange’s ‘Green Granger’ initiatives exemplify the school’s commitment to sustainability. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of sustainability and global issues, especially climate change, among its students. The campus features an Eco-Garden and Farm integrated into the outdoor play area, where students actively participate in cultivating over 100 varieties of plants, organic vegetables, and fruits, alongside the school’s in-house botanists.
Founding Membership with The Alliance for Sustainable Schools
Sustainability is a long-term commitment, and The Grange actively engages both internal and external stakeholders to ensure that their sustainability initiatives reach beyond the school’s boundaries.
In January 2023, The Grange Institution achieved a milestone by becoming the founding member of The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS). This non-profit global association of member schools is dedicated to accelerating the shift towards a sustainable future. The Grange is not only the first school in Singapore among the original 27 founding members, but also the first school in the alliance to appoint primary-aged students as ambassadors. These ambassadors play a pivotal role in sharing successful case studies, gathering inspiration, and collaborating on long-term projects with other sustainable schools.
Pledge to Plant a Tree for Every Student
In June 2023, The Grange launched a “Grow with The Grange” initiative with Green Steps to plant a tree named after each student. This initiative intends to help with reforestation efforts and to minimise carbon footprints. This initiative has planted 87 trees along the Sumatran coast in five months and has already offset 1.91 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Continuous Efforts
The journey towards sustainability is ongoing for The Grange. The School is currently progressing into the next phase of our Green Space project, including new learning zones such as the ‘Explore Zone’ and the ‘Grow Zone’. These projects are designed in consultation with Singapore’s National Parks to align with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.
The Grange Institution’s three-time consecutive win as the School with The Best Environmental Initiatives and the Sustainable School of the Year is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainable learning. This holistic approach to sustainability that integrates into the curriculum, community, and initiatives, shows that it is more than just a school, but a living, breathing testament to the harmonious coexistence of education and the environment, establishing it as a true front runner in sustainable education.
