Redbridge essay winners – City Hall visit May 2025

‘How to reduce emissions in Redbridge’ essay winners – Greater London Authority, City Hall visit 21st May 2025

All 19 secondary schools in Redbridge were invited to take part in an essay competition on ‘How to reduce emissions in Redbridge’. There were only six winners in the Year 10-13 category across the entire borough and no less than two of those winners came from Beal Sixth Form Year 12 students.

As a result of being winners across the borough Mariam Attarwala and Ama Ankomah were invited to London City Hall to take part in a special event which focused on environmental initiatives across the whole capital. Both students, who are also active members of the borough’s Youth Council, represented the school with maturity, confidence and passion, and the school is immensely proud of their achievement. During the visit, Mariam and Ama were given a guided tour of City Hall and had the rare opportunity to sit in the London Assembly chamber, gaining a valuable insight into the workings of city government. They also participated in a group discussion with other competition winners, where they shared their ideas and took part in a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, and Jo Blackman, Labour Councillor for Wanstead Village. It was an inspiring and insightful day that offered the students a meaningful platform to contribute to the wider conversation on sustainability and climate action.

A big thank you to Ms. A Patel for accompanying the students to City Hall.

‘The tour of city hall was lovely. I loved that we got to witness the panel of experts scrutinizing the head of the Met at City Hall. I also enjoyed discussing how we can reduce emissions in Redbridge and London in general with the Deputy Mayor of London and absolutely loved the award ceremony, pictures, and the people in attendance as well.’ AA

‘Today’s experience was so incredible! We were invited to City Hall and received our certificates from Mete Coban himself for our winning essays on ‘How to reduce emissions in Redbridge’. We were involved in discussing policies on how to better our sustainability through different projects and it was so lovely getting to hear so many young people come together and give opinions on how to take care of our environment. It was such a lovely day and I’m so grateful that I got to spend it with Ama and Miss Patel’ MA

Mr. Matheson – May 2025