Pupils at Francis Holland Regent’s Park recently took to the national airwaves, participating in a sustainability workshop that was featured live on BBC Radio London.
The workshop, delivered by Renee Tonkin, founder of Science Owl, alongside Libby Gordon, CEO of FARA Charity Shops, encouraged pupils to explore the importance of reducing waste through creativity and recycling. BBC Radio London journalist Gem O’Reilly attended the session, with interviews and highlights broadcast during Aaron Paul’s breakfast programme.
Pupils took part in the ‘Broken Umbrella Challenge’, transforming broken toys and unwanted household items into imaginative new creations while learning about the environmental impact of waste and the role individuals can play in tackling climate change.
Several pupils were interviewed live on air, sharing their thoughts on why sustainability matters to young people and discussing the simple, everyday actions that can make a meaningful difference.
The workshop formed part of the school’s ongoing commitment to environmental education, which was recently recognised in the school being one of only five schools in the UK to be shortlisted for the prestigious Tatler Schools’ Best Eco-Warrior Award 2026. Sustainability is embedded across both the curriculum and wider school life through practical, hands-on learning experiences such as our very own ‘Trash to Treasure’ initiative which encourages pupils to repurpose household items that would typically be thrown away.
Jo Dawes, Assistant Head Teaching & Learning at Francis Holland Regent’s Park, said it was important for pupils to engage with the environment “in a creative and fun way”.
She added: “It’s really important for them to learn how any small change can impact the environment, so that one day they can make those informed decisions themselves.”
Renee Tonkin, Founder of Science Owl Education, added:
“Young people are incredibly passionate about protecting the environment. Workshops like these help them see that sustainability isn’t just about learning the science – it’s about developing the creativity, confidence and curiosity to become part of the solution.”
This is the latest collaboration between Francis Holland Regent’s Park and Science Owl, building on a partnership that encourages pupils to think critically about sustainability through innovative, real-world projects.
The BBC Radio London feature can be heard by listening back to Aaron Paul’s programme, ‘Heat, England game, recycling’, broadcast on Wednesday 24 June, available on BBC Sounds.