Hydroponics Project: Exploring Sustainable Food Systems

Written by India Robinson, ISP Alumna Class of 2022

Fueling Curiosity Through Science

ISP is passionate about expanding its scientific programmes in the Upper School. To encourage scientific inquiry, observation, and critical thinking, biology teacher Remo Velardo has implemented a small-scale hydroponics system, made possible by generous donations from the ISP Fund. This incredible biological system allows for the growth of herbs and salad greens, promoting the application of scientific concepts in a hands-on manner. Older learners are able to collect data and work with ecological theories in real time, which will be especially useful in supporting their final IB projects. This incredible progress would not be possible without the selfless donors whose support not only fuels innovation, but also inspires a new generation of changemakers.

Students Driving the Vision

The project is driven by a dynamic group of Upper School students who form the Eco Committee, a group working to make ISP greener and earn an Eco-Schools certification. Involvement in the global Eco-Schools Programme directly inspired these students to propose a hydroponics system for the Upper School.

“We thought it would be a great project for the school because we thought that it was very realistic - especially because of the amount it can produce over time and that it can be something that we connect to the community with.” 
Matthew, Grade 11 Student

Mr. Velardo adds that the Eco Committee envisions ISP’s campus as a living example of increasing biodiversity through collaborative, student-led projects. Their goal is to model sustainability for the wider school community, including using the lettuce grown in the hydroponics system in the Cafeteria. This initiative opens the door to various possibilities for food distribution and revenue generation - funds that will further sustain the project and expand future learning opportunities.

Powered by Passion—and the ISP Fund

Thanks to the ISP Fund, real change is on the horizon. At the start of the 2025/26 school year, local company Gardenix installed the hydroponics system on campus, and students are playing an active role in maintaining it. Meanwhile, the Eco Committee is on track to earn ISP the prestigious “Green Flag” by Spring 2026 - symbolising two years of sustained environmental action.

“I am very dedicated to this group of young people. I’ve seen their passion as they come every week with drive and intention. So when I saw the opportunity to apply for the ISP Fund grant - to support something we could really dig our hands into - it was an easy choice.”
Remo Velardo, Upper School Science Teacher

As Mr. Velardo notes, the ISP Fund provides these committed students with the resources they need to turn vision into impact. The closer the ISP is to its own resources, the better the school can model sustainability - and exemplify what meaningful, future-focused education truly looks like.

Join Us

Our community’s generosity and involvement shape ISP, helping our students learn in new and inspiring ways.We invite you to continue this journey by making a gift to the ISP Fund 2025/26.