5 Stars for Sustainable Success

Under the visionary leadership of Principal Karen Yager and her dedicated team, Hills Grammar has embarked on a mission to empower students and create a sustainable society. This passion has seen Hills Grammar be recognised as a 5 Star Sustainable School by The Educator and nominated for the NSW Environmental Education Award.  

There are a number of initiatives that the School has embarked on including participating in the One Planet Education Network which joins students and communities worldwide, offering community-based programs focusing on sustainable community. Hills Grammar Geography students have installed sensors throughout the campus collecting live data on CO2 emissions, soil moisture/temperatures, light and vision. They also have two weather stations collecting data related to the microclimates that the students can compare in their Geography lessons.

From as young as 3 years old students are taught the importance of a sustainable future in the Early Childhood Education Centre. Then the message is solidified in the Junior School, with students investigating sustainability in their core subjects, for example creating artworks from recycled materials or using their Year 6 Expo to explore biomimicry. 

Principal Karen Yager believes that the approach creates excitement, “What we are doing and aim to do is substantial and challenging, but when you do it as part of your strategic plan; your vision and your whole school focus; and it's embedded in curriculum, it's not challenging, it's inspiring and enjoyable.” 

With our goal to be net zero by 2035, the School is continuing to find ways to minimise their carbon footprint through holistic changes, like moving to electric buses, increasing their solar panels and improving classroom insulation.