An innovative North East-based project that works to put climate change at the heart of the national curriculum and makes schools ‘beacons’ of positive action in their local communities has scooped a national award.
The Climate Change Schools Project, which is the first of its kind in the country, came top in the Best Educational Initiative' category for the Climate Week Awards beating off stiff competition from other finalists from across the country.
Dr Krista McKinzey, who manages the project, and Harriet Thew, Project Officer, collected the Award at the launch of Climate Week. Krista said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won and that the project has achieved recognition through the Climate Week Awards. It is testament to the all of those involved, from project staff, partners and supporters to the school teachers and pupils.”
The project has developed a network of over 100 schools who are working hard to put climate change at the heart of the curriculum and turn young people across North East England into ‘everyday experts’ on climate change. Pupils aged from five to 18 not only learn about climate change but also team up with businesses, community groups, councils and meteorologists to take action ranging from energy audits to flood risk assessments, tree planting and theatre performances. Since the project started there has been a massive 50,000 hours of pupil-led activities.
Kevin Steele, chief executive of Climate Week, said: “The Climate Change Schools Project is highly effective and has engaged many young people and teachers. We liked the fact that the project has the potential to be spread to other areas.”
The Climate Change Schools Project, which is based at Science Learning Centre North East (part of Durham University), is backed by ClimateNE, the climate change partnership for North East England, the Environment Agency via the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee, the North East Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Schools, One World Network North East and the Association of North East Councils.
Runners up included national scheme Keep Britain Tidy – Eco-Schools England and local initiatives run by Ashley C of E Primary School in Walton on Thames and Lutley Primary School in the West Midlands.
Climate Week is a new national occasion that offers an annual renewal of our ambition and confidence to combat climate change. Thousands of events and activities are taking place throughout the country, many of which are taking place here in North East England.
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