AS part of Passmores Academy’s commitment to sustainable living, four lucky students were selected to accompany teachers, Mr Gladwin and Miss Banks, on a trip of a lifetime to the Earth Summit in New York, USA.

Having a just day to explore the vibrant city, the group soaked up American culture as they took in sites of the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, enjoyed stunning views from the top of the Rockefeller Centre and paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy with an emotional visit to the beautiful Ground Zero monument.

The next day, the group traveled to meet the families who would be hosting the students for the next three nights. Each of the families commented that it had been a pleasure having the students stay with them, and after a reluctant farewell, the group embarked on the next part of their journey – a visit to the Omega Institute. Powered entirely by sustainable energy sources (wind, light and water), this is one of few buildings in the area that has been built entirely out of local and reused materials.

Next it was on to the Ashokan Centre, where the students attended the Earth Summit, meeting with other young people from schools around the world. Here they found inspiration listening to talks from Dr Jim Hudson, a lead scientist who was formerly the Director of NASA and Jeffery Sachs, who gave a Skype interview after his meeting at the Vatican with Pope Francis!

Mr Gladwin said: ‘It was a trip of a lifetime. We have learnt so much culturally, but also about how we can be more sustainable. Look out for some big changes the students are looking to implement soon! This opportunity would not have been possible if it were not for the generosity of the British Council, Harlow Council and Ben Marston of Jestico & Whiles. We cannot thank them enough.’