FAST FASHION
Enacting Change Embracing sustainability Sixth Form students at Putney High School GDST recently hosted a Recycled Fashion Show to raise awareness of the issues surrounding sustainability in fashion. Students from Year 12 a key demographic as buyers of fast fashion - created outfits they had produced from recycled and sustainable materials in addition to re-worked, preloved items. Putney has a popular Textiles department and students not only had fun channelling their creativity, but also spread the message about the importance of not purchasing garments that may only be worn once or twice before being discarded. With the increasing threat of
climate change and the environmental impact of fast fashion, the students wanted to raise awareness of the mass, cheap production of runway replicas that have a short lifespan and generate waste and greenhouse gases both in production and disposal. Textiles student and designer, Mimi in Year 12 told us: “Raising awareness of this issue in ways that engage the public is more important than ever.” A spokesperson for Comme des Garçons stated: “From a creative perspective, I haven’t seen anything that has made a strong statement in recent years. We need
new, impactful and creative ways to communicate sustainability in fashion.” Putney students are finding new and innovative ways to initiate a drive towards more sustainable fashion, empowering young people to become aware of the growing issue and find ways to enact change. PUTNEY HIGH SCHOOL www.putneyhigh.gdst.net
Reclaiming Narratives Celebrating Black History at Streatham and Clapham High School As a Deputy Head Teacher at Streatham and Clapham Prep School, I am proud to form part of a local school with a diverse community encompassing pupils from thirty-three different ethnic backgrounds and over twenty-four ‘home languages’. Diversity is a key characteristic and point of pride for SCPS. I look forward to Black History Month, viewing this as an opportunity to refresh teachers’ and pupils’ minds on the importance of Black history
and EDIB (equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging). This year’s theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, offers a powerful reminder of the importance of amplifying diverse voices and stories. More importantly, it is also a time where we look positively on how we move forward together as a diverse community, whereby pupils from various backgrounds come together to learn and grow. It is significant to note that the additional focus that we bring to celebrating Black history at this time should not be seen as a tokenistic gesture on the
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curriculum calendar: it is important to emphasise the importance of teaching Black histories 365 days a year to promote social cohesion and enhance knowledge development among young people. This is a time to shine a spotlight on this aspect of history that is an important part of understanding who we are as a society and the journey that we’ve travelled. Schools can celebrate Black history in meaningful and diverse ways. The ability to navigate and appreciate diverse perspectives is not just an academic skill but a life skill. MS ZARA SIMPSON Deputy Head of Prep (Academic) at Streatham & Clapham Prep School www.schs.gdst.net
