Lights, Camera, Sustainability

We were delighted to welcome environmental charity Another Way as they filmed with our pupils for their national Power of 10 campaign. The visit was instigated by Year 10 pupil Gabriel, who volunteers with the charity and already contributes to their podcast series.

The morning began with filming the Eco-Committee, featuring students from across the School, including Charlie and Jude (Year 8) and Sophie (Year 12), as they discussed current projects and future plans. The crew also interviewed Gabriel about his environmental journey, his experience of learning about climate issues in the curriculum, and his hope to challenge stereotypes of what a “typical” climate activist looks like.

Since the age of eight, Gabriel has been passionate about protecting the natural world. Growing up in Cornwall, he explained how its coastline, woodlands and rural calm have shaped his desire to safeguard biodiversity. Seeing environmental progress, such as the repair of the ozone layer during the Covid lockdowns, helped form his belief that “we can fix whatever we have broken to some level – it isn’t too late.”

He spoke openly about eco-anxiety, the importance of political action, and the need for young people to feel empowered rather than powerless. “Everyone can be a climate activist,” he said. “It’s great to see a community of young people who want to make change.”

Following interviews, Gabriel led the film crew on a tour of the school’s sustainability initiatives, including the gardening site and polytunnel, EV chargers, the solar panels on the Cookery School and SBA, the orchard, and the Eco-board, before finishing at the Eco-Schools plaque in Reception.

Another Way is currently developing a new Power of 10 mobile app, launching in the New Year, to encourage young people to complete ten meaningful eco-actions. Schools participating in the campaign will submit their action plans by 28 January. The film crew noted that Truro School’s long-running Eco-Committee offered a strong example of pupil-led environmental action in practice.

The charity has previously filmed in Durham and Edinburgh, and their visit to Truro forms part of a national series celebrating youth activism, ahead of their Power of 10 Festival in Penryn earlier this year, which Gabriel said was a major inspiration for getting more involved after discovering the strength of the local environmental community.

We are incredibly proud of Gabriel, the Eco-Committee, Mrs Udry, and all students involved for their confidence, insight, and continued commitment to creating positive change.