Aberdare Park Primary School

At Aberdare Park Primary the year 5 and year 6 classes spent a whole term learning about tropical forests and the commodities that cause deforestation of these precious ecosystems. In the workshops the children learnt all about how coffee; cacao; palm oil; soy and beef are the main causes of deforestation.  Through games and fun activities the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm grew by solving crimes; tasting new foods and playing games. The children also learnt about how they can help by looking for ethical and sustainable logos such as RSPO, Fairtrade logo and organic logos when shopping.  

To see whether their everyday meals at school are deforestation free, the children made a trip to the canteen to investigate the school menu. The children carefully examined ingredients and discovered that the quorn dippers and the cake and custard were deforestation free, as they use sustainably sourced palm oil. Building on their findings, the children designed a ‘Deforestation Free’ logo that could potentially be added to the school menu, alongside the existing logos, to help our school community make informed and environmentally responsible choices.

To put their learning about deforestation to good use, the children took meaningful action by writing a letter to the Head of School Catering at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. In their letter, they proudly shared the Deforestation Free logos they had designed and outlined why they would like to see their logos displayed on the school menu, highlighting how this would raise awareness and encourage our wider school community to choose deforestation free options.

The children created documentaries to share what they had discovered about the impact of deforestation around the world. Through their research, they explored the environmental, social, and economic consequences of forest loss and highlighted why protecting forests matters. Their films were designed to inform and inspire our school community, helping everyone understand the practical steps we can take—both individually and together—to reduce our impact and support a deforestation free future.

“I enjoyed making the hot chocolate and I liked the taste! It is not fair that the farmers do not get much money for their coffee and cacao most of the time. Now I always look for the Fairtrade logo when I go shopping with my mam, to make sure they are paid well and there is no deforestation.”