Issue 3

20th October 2021

The planet is holding its breath as it watches to see whether world leaders will turn words into action at COP 26, this critical moment in climate decision-making.

In this newsletter we have provided links to some of the amazing resources out there that will enable you to get your pupils closely involved with what is going on during the crucial discussions about the future of the planet that will be taking place from 1 - 12th November.

We also highlight schools in the region that are already taking action on climate issues.

We have heard from Lets Go Zero that several schools in the region have now signed up. If this is your school, well done! - and do tell us about what you are doing so we can share it in this newsletter. 

We have also seen a lot of interest in Eco-Schools. If you want to learn more about Lets Go Zero or Eco-Schools click the links below, or see our previous newsletters here.

"The club is called ‘The Green Initiative’ and has been running for a little over a year. It has already accomplished the following:

1. Raised awareness of the issues that the planet is facing
2. Run a turn off the lights competition so that all students remind teachers to turn off interactive whiteboards/lights when not in use
3. Made recycling bins available in all classrooms
4. Established an assembly each half term to advertise the current initiative that they are working on
5. Rewilded the back lane to restore biodiversity
6. Put boxes into each classroom for board pens to be recycled
7. Worked on the small nature reserve the school has.
8. Y8 are writing letter to different companies to find out what more these companies could be doing to be environmentally friendly

The club is currently working on

1. 'Green Day' once a month – use less transport, highlight issues
2. Contacting the cafes in school to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is produced on a daily basis.
3. Replanting the quads using a competition to make them as biodiverse as possible
4. Organising compost bins for the school
5. Redesigning recycling bins to make them more ‘attractive to use."

by Mr Fulson, Teacher at Tapton School

What is your school doing?

Please share with us anything that you think may help encourage other schools on their journey to a better environment for all. Simply contact admin@scesy.org.uk

Here is a brief summary of some of the COP26 related events and teacher resources the BBC is providing (click here for the full information):

• Already available: The Earthshot Prize (5 episodes): led by Prince William and Sir David Attenborough. Climate problems and solutions from around the globe. Click here for the Generation Earthshot Teacher Toolkit.
• Monday 25th October: BBC Bitesize launches The Regenerators for 5-16 year olds to equip them with the knowledge and tools to understand the issues associated with climate change and how our actions can make a real difference. Click here for more information.
• Blue Peter's Our Planet Now competition winner will be premiered in front of world leaders at the conference.
• From Friday 28 October – Sunday 7 November: Radio 1’s Minute Of Me: young people will have 60 seconds to share their own thoughts and feelings about climate change.
• Global Climate Debate on the opening day of the conference, 1 November. Leading global political figures will take questions from young people in the studio and around the world.
• A new show, Shop Well To Save the Planet
• Click LIVE At COP 26: the roles innovation and technology can play in helping solve the world’s biggest problems.
• BBC Young Reporter: Climate Stories.
• Life at 50°C: the reality of climate change through stories of people around the world.

STEM Learning has organised a virtual careers fair for 13-18 year olds between 1st and 12th November 2021 to coincide with COP26: 'Careers in Climate Change'. 

"By developing this resilience in young people, we believe we’ll be in a better position to continue to develop the green economy across the UK.

While world leaders are debating key climate change issues in Glasgow, young people from across the UK can virtually explore the work of companies and researchers who are working towards mitigating and adapting to the challenge of climate change. Companies like SSE, GE and the National Grid will be discussing how they’re looking to lead the way on issues relating to energy and power. WWF will launch ‘Sustainable Futures’ where young people can be supported to pursue a sustainable career outside typical ‘green jobs’. Virtual stands will also cover cutting edge climate change research being undertaken right now and how young people can ‘Be part of the solution’ with the Environment Agency."

Click here for more information.

Here at SCESY our goal is to create a supportive network of schools within the South Yorkshire region. So please let us know of your stories and successes so that we can share them in future newsletters. Send your photos, stories and video links to admin@scesy.org.uk

Previous newsletters can be found here. 

If you have not yet signed up with Schools Climate Education South Yorkshire, click the button below.