Sustainability project has real results
Students in Canning College’s WACE General University Pathway have been taking meaningful action on sustainability, using work on their Certificate III in Business to deliver practical initiatives that can make an impact across the campus.
As part of a sustainability unit, students conducted an audit of the college and identified areas that could be improved. They also developed solutions designed to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and raise awareness within the school community.
The main conclusions the students reached were:
- More sustainability initiatives could be put in place
- The college could benefit from implementing specific sustainability policies
- Practical changes could help shift habits and increase awareness within the college community
Throughout the project, student opinions varied. Some students were unconvinced the initiatives would have a significant impact, while others became more aware of sustainability issues.
Student Leader Alec, who is studying the WACE General University Pathway at Canning College, said most students were pleased to be contributing to increased awareness of environmental issues at the same time as completing important coursework.
“Personally, I feel really good about it,” he said. “I’ve always been conscious of sustainability and the environment, and I think it’s really good that we’re doing something about it in the school.”
Student-Led Sustainability at Canning College
A key strength of the project is that it has been driven by students, who identified problems through observation and developed practical, achievable solutions.
A suggestion that individual recycling bins should be introduced to classrooms is a simple initiative that can prevent the contamination of recyclable items.
“We looked around the school and noticed that paper and recyclables were being put in the general waste bin, and we thought that needed to change,” Alec said.
The project also explored energy efficiency in the College and responsible e-waste disposal. A meeting with the College IT Officer identified other opportunities to reduce energy use.
Why Sustainability in Schools Matters
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in education, workplaces, and everyday life. It focuses on meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.
With growing challenges such as climate change, waste management, and resource use, schools are playing a crucial role in shaping environmentally responsible behaviours. Students are often drivers of this shift, with growing interest in sustainability and environmental studies worldwide.
Projects such as this highlight how school sustainability initiatives can move beyond theory and empower students to take real actions.
“I think, overall, young people do care about the environment,” Alec said. “Not everyone would agree but I do think we’re headed in the right direction.”
Student Impact That Lasts Beyond the Classroom
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project for students has been the ability to make a genuine difference. All student recommendations will be passed on to the Head of Learning Area to be presented to the college leadership team.
“Classwork is generally about doing the work and getting the results,” Alec said. “I think it does feel good to do something that might make a difference. It’s like we’ll be making a difference and leaving a mark on the school.”
Getting more from the WACE General University Pathway program
The project forms part of the Certificate III in Business, which equips students with practical workplace skills. The Certificate III is part of the Canning College WACE General University Pathway program, which also includes three WACE General subjects and Curtin University’s UniReady in Schools program.
Students study Career and Employability (general), English (General or ATAR), and either Mathematics Essentials (General) or Mathematics Applications (ATAR).
Success in the WACE General University Pathway program leads students into selected degree programs at Curtin University and Murdoch University.
