Inspiring Action, Driving Change
From 21 to 25 April 2025, the International French School (Singapore) came together to celebrate Earth Week, a dynamic and engaging week dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and collective responsibility. Students, parents and staff alike had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, exhibitions, and workshops that highlighted how small actions can make a big difference for our planet.
Ocean Conservation and Recycling Project
A major highlight of the week was the Tara Ocean Foundation’s exhibition, which shed light on the vital role oceans play in our planet’s health. Students learned about the importance of marine conservation and were challenged to think critically about how pollution impacts ecosystems. Inspired by these lessons, students across multiple levels also embarked on recycling art projects, creatively repurposing recyclable materials to craft imaginative animal sculptures. From turtles made of bottle caps to cardboard owls, the projects sparked important conversations about waste, wildlife, and creative re-use.
Plastic Odyssey: Innovation in Action
Students, staff and parents also had the chance to dive into real-world solutions through the screening of Plastic Odyssey, a documentary showcasing the team’s efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution, by removing over 10 tons of plastic waste from Henderson Island using low-tech, sustainable methods. They repurpose the collected plastic into useful items for the nearby Pitcairn Island community, demonstrating how local, community-driven solutions can effectively tackle global plastic pollution.
The film was followed by an energetic Q&A session with Luc des Vallières, Head of Partnerships at Plastic Odyssey, who answered student questions with enthusiasm and inspired many to see themselves as part of the solution. His stories about innovative recycling technologies and community-led initiatives left a strong impression on young minds, connecting classroom theory to real-world environmental action.
Guillaume Le Cantinier : Fighting Food Waste
Another memorable visit came from Guillaume Le Cantinier, a well-known advocate for food waste reduction. Guillaume spoke to all levels—from maternelle to collège—delivering an energetic and impactful message about the importance of valuing our food. His visit celebrated the school’s “Brigade Anti-Gaspi” (Anti-Waste Brigade) and reinforced the idea that each meal, each portion, and each choice matters. His lively sessions, filled with humour and hands-on examples, made food sustainability a tangible and accessible mission for students of all ages.
New Anti-Waste Initiative: Thank you to Natixis
In a meaningful extension of the anti-waste message, Natixis generously donated a brand-new Anti-Waste Fridge to IFS. This fridge offers a smart, simple solution: any unopened food items that students do not want can be placed inside for others to use, ensuring that food is shared instead of thrown away. This initiative perfectly captures the spirit of Earth Week, blending kindness, community, and sustainability into everyday school life.
The Earth’s Story: Geowalk with ECA ‘LIFE’ Students
Students from the ECA ‘LIFE’ programme also took the spotlight during the Geological Walk (Geowalk), guiding their peers through a fascinating journey of the Earth’s evolution. From ancient tectonic shifts to today’s climate changes, students shared their knowledge enthusiastically, explaining how geological history helps us understand current environmental challenges. It was a powerful reminder that Earth’s story is still being written—and that we have a role to play in its future.
Hands-On Solutions: Repair and Sustainable Living
Throughout the week, the school hosted Decathlon workshops, where students learned practical skills like how to repair and extend the life of everyday items. These workshops encouraged a mindset of repair, reuse, and rethink—giving students hands-on experience in sustainability rather than a throwaway culture.
Meanwhile, Telunas Resorts hosted an informative booth showcasing their work in sustainable hospitality. Students and parents learned about eco-resorts that prioritise local communities, renewable energy, and minimal environmental impact—proof that sustainability can be at the heart of even the most luxurious travel experiences.
Decoding Climate Change: Learning with the Climate Fresk
The Climate Fresk, a widely recognised educational tool, enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind climate change. Through a collaborative and engaging workshop, participants mapped out the cause-and-effect relationships between human activities and environmental disruptions. This hands-on experience offered a comprehensive and science-based view of climate issues, while encouraging meaningful discussion and awareness. An essential step toward turning understanding into action.
A Week to Remember, A Future to Build
IFS Earth Week 2025 wasn’t just about lectures and activities; it was about inspiring a lifelong commitment to the planet. Through engaging exhibits, passionate guest speakers, creative projects, and new sustainability initiatives, students were reminded that even the smallest efforts—whether recycling, sharing food, or fixing a broken item—can have a profound impact.
Under the leadership of Ms. De Pra and Ms. Pille, this year’s edition was marked by the breadth of topics explored and the variety of perspectives presented. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their outstanding organisation and unwavering commitment throughout the week.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and sponsors—Tara Ocean Foundation, Plastic Odyssey, Guillaume Le Cantinier, Natixis, Decathlon, La Fresque du Climat, and Telunas Resorts—for their enthusiastic and educational contributions to this year’s Earth Week. Your dedication, insight, and generosity made this celebration of sustainability not only informative but truly inspiring for the entire IFS community.
As Earth Week came to a close, one thing was certain: our students are not just learning about the world—they’re ready to take care of it.
