On Thursday 13th October Year 8 set off from Sloane Square tube station to Blackfriars Station near St.Paul’s.

We learned about Blackfriars Bridge, which has London’s largest solar array spanning it (with 4,400 solar panels), which gives the station 50% of its energy. We walked past construction work on the new “Super Sewer” and reached the Embankment where we discussed the function of this part of London (Central Business District), its history (going back to the Romans) and how London’s trade and transport evolved. We also discussed what sorts of jobs there are in the CBD, how the city makes money and how London’s water is sourced.

We headed to St. Paul’s Cathedral and talked about London’s cultural diversity. We undertook a survey of the area’s Social and Environmental Quality before hopping into the glass elevator in the shopping centre, One New Change, so we could get a panoramic view of London from the top of the roof.

The second part of our trip involved travelling to Royal Victoria Dock (an old industrial area) to see the Crystal. The Crystal is a centre that raises awareness about pollution and global warming. It helps city planners to design cities to be more sustainable and renewable places. Inside the centre is a variety of interactive activities that explain ways to reduce our carbon footprints and how to make the world more sustainable.

Overall this trip was extremely interesting; it is fascinating to understand how much of a difference sustainable living can make, as well as how London operates. Thank you to all the teachers who organised the trip.

Marysia, Year 8

To take a look at the photos, please hover over the image below and then use the arrows to click through the photos.