Members of The Abbey Eco Council have been busy making a real difference through the Clean Air Living Matters (CALM) project, which has been in the news in the last week.

As part of the project a group of our Eco reps and prefects visited the University of Reading to take part in special workshops. They watched fascinating lab experiments and tried out air quality monitoring around the campus – a hands-on experience that really brought science to life! (If you spotted the BBC coverage, you may have noticed our students featured in one of the photos.)

Back at school, we’ve also been making good use of our own air pollution monitor, provided through the project. Pupils have studied the live data and shared their findings in assembly, raising awareness across the school community about air quality in Reading.

The CALM project has been running for the past two years, reaching almost 30 schools across the borough and working with over 9,000 children, as well as parents and community members. Led by Reading Borough Council with the University of Reading, Stantec and Design Nature, the initiative has encouraged young people to learn about the causes of air pollution and explore ways to reduce it.

We are proud that Abbey students have been part of such an important scheme, helping to spread the message that cleaner air benefits us all – especially the most vulnerable in our community.

Well done to our Eco Council for representing the school so brilliantly and inspiring others to take action for a healthier, greener future!