Welcome to our new website! Why not book your own personal school tour now. We welcome children from 3 to 11 years old. Our grounds are extensive, encompassing an Orchard, field, nature area and our very own Woodland, which we have named 'Bellever'.
Welcome to our new website! Why not book your own personal school tour now. We welcome children from 3 to 11 years old. Our grounds are extensive, encompassing an Orchard, field, nature area and our very own Woodland, which we have named 'Bellever'.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School

Sustainability

Our Commitment

At St Mary’s, we are deeply committed to caring for God’s creation and taking meaningful action on climate change. Guided by our Catholic values and the message of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, we recognise our shared responsibility to protect the Earth—our common home—for present and future generations.

In line with the Department for Education’s expectations, we have appointed a Sustainability Lead and developed a Climate Action Plan to help our school reduce its environmental impact, build climate resilience, and educate pupils about sustainable living.

We aim to lead by example, embedding sustainability across our curriculum, daily life, and community partnerships so that every pupil learns to act with stewardship, respect, and compassion for the world around them.

Our Sustainability Lead

Our Sustainability Lead, Miss Rebecca Blackhall, coordinates our whole-school approach to sustainability working closely with Plymouth Cast. This role involves overseeing our Climate Action Plan, promoting environmental awareness, and working alongside pupils, staff, governors, and the parish community to put our sustainability goals into action.

Our Climate Action Plan

Our plan focuses on four key areas set out in the Department for Education’s guidance:

  • Decarbonisation: Reducing energy use and carbon emissions throughout the school.

  • Adaptation & Resilience: Ensuring our buildings and grounds are prepared for a changing climate.

  • Biodiversity & Environment: Enhancing green spaces, outdoor learning, and care for nature.

  • Climate Education: Embedding sustainability, stewardship, and environmental responsibility across the curriculum.

We are also engaging with national initiatives such as theNational Education Nature Park and Eco Schools to connect pupils with nature and inspire real-world environmental action rooted in faith and purpose.

Working Together

Our Catholic mission calls us to live out the principles of Laudato Si’ by acting with love, justice, and hope in caring for creation. Sustainability at St Mary’s is a shared responsibility, and we encourage everyone—pupils, staff, families, and our local community—to play their part through eco-projects, community initiatives, and small daily actions that make a difference.

Together, we are building a more sustainable, faith-driven school community where our children grow as responsible stewards of God’s creation, inspired to make a positive difference in the world.