Students have been getting green this week at St Stephen’s Community Academy in Launceston, as they learn all about air quality. 

Key stage 2 pupils were visited by Ashlea from SUSTRAN this week, to take part in workshops centred around air quality. 

Maura Furber, headteacher at the school said: “The children were fascinated by the live air pollution data, especially comparing morning and afternoon data and focusing on areas in London: why were certain areas more ‘red’ than others? 

“It was explained that Stansted Airport was located in that area and many were astonished to hear that airplanes contribute to a high level of air pollution.

“Next, the children were excited to use hand-held microscopes to explore surfaces up close. 

“It was fascinating to see the different materials and what other hidden ‘nasties’ they could find!

“The children then took their learning outdoors and observed the lichen growing in our school field. Questions such as ‘Why does lichen grow? Where does lichen grow?’ were discussed. 

“Lichen is a great indicator of good/clean air quality. They were quick to find lots of lichen which was brilliant to hear that we go to school in an area of good air quality!

“All the children have been given a blank postcard to take home. They have been asked to replace a journey that they would normally do by car by walking, riding or scooting and write about it. Ashlea will come and collect the postcards and a little prize will be won by a lucky student. 

“The children who used their scooters or bikes to travel to school were also left some goodies by the bike rack! Ashlea also visited some of the children in Key Stage 1 with some thank you gifts for their support by trying to get to school in a sustainable way.”

Following the sessions, Ashlea wrote to say: “The children seemed really engaged, and to love both the indoor and the outdoor parts of the sessions. 

“The children were all very well behaved, and the teaching staff were welcoming and friendly.”