Plans to 'float' polar bears The Polar Bear Flotation Station: a gigantic floating island, constructed entirely from reflective recycled materials. Not only would this manmade landmass deflect solar heat, thereby combating global warming; it could also act as a potential sanctuary for polar bears menaced by melting icecaps.

This is perhaps the most radical of the environmental ideas of Danielle Greenspan - who has moved from Oxford High to take up one of two new environmental awareness scholars at d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form.

"I know it sounds quite extreme," she said. "But we need to be coming up with big ideas. And, more importantly, getting people talking and thinking."

While construction of the Polar Bear Flotation Station is unlikely to be within the power of d'Overbroeck's College, Danielle and her fellow environment scholar, Timea Suli, from Matthew Arnold School, are also generating ideas on a slightly smaller scale - themed recycling and compost bins, student action groups and an environmental audit.

Timea and Danielle are the college's first environment scholars. They come with a mandate to promote environmental initiatives amongst students and staff.

Communication - as opposed to rule-making and instruction – features strongly in both scholars' plans. As Timea said, fostering engagement on the part of all students is of key importance: "I want to talk to people, communicate. If they feel we're dictating to them, they'll just treat what we're saying like a set of chores," she said.

Scholarships have traditionally rewarded top academic results, or talents in areas such as sport, drama or music - all of which d'Overbroeck's continues to recognise.

However, college principal Sami Cohen decided to develop a new kind of scholarship: one which recognises commitment to environmental issues.

He said: "Rather than simply relying on our own environmental knowledge and efforts as an organisation, we decided to go a step further.

'We frequently meet bright, energetic students who are passionate about these issues - so we thought: why not put that passion to good use?

"Students such as Timea and Danielle are bursting with creativity and initiative - and this scholarship empowers them."

Candidates for the environmental awareness scholarship must prove that they are well-informed on green issues.

Scholars are expected to be leaders, working with staff and students alike to make d’Overbroeck's a greener college.

It is an innovation, Mr Cohen believes, that benefits everyone: "It's not just about the college improving its environmental credentials - an area in which we're keen to do more - but also about offering students a chance to take initiative.

"They help us with their fresh ideas, and also develop their own skills. Potentially, this is experience that will help them make an impression on universities and employers alike."

d'Overbroeck's is currently accepting applications for all its scholarships, including environmental awareness, as well as academic, performing arts, science and art awards.

The closing date for applications is November 10, and further details may be found on the college website: www.doverbroecks.com/scholarships