Sustainability in schools

Sustainability in schools

Teaching of key sustainability issues in schools allow children to develop their own passion for action.

Teaching of key sustainability issues in schools allow children to develop their own passion for action, develop knowledge, values and skills with the opportunity to put their learning into practice through reducing the environmental impact of their school. The skills and knowledge that pupils gain can be transferred into their homes and communities and these skills help pupils to develop their role as our future. 

Eco-schools

Eco-schools is a seven step framework that thousands of schools, nurseries and colleges around the world use to introduce, manage and complete environmental actions in their organisation and local community. The aim is to place young people at the heart of these environmental actions. This approach engages, motivates, and empowers young people to care for our planet and throughout their lifetimes. 

Climate Confident

In a recent educator survey, 92% of respondents said that teaching climate change and sustainability was very important but almost 70% said they didn’t feel confident doing it. Climate Confident is a short five-part video series that covers everything that educators and schools need to know to get the global agenda on their school agenda, from the basics of climate change, to eco-anxiety, to layering climate change across your curriculum. 

Eco-Schools’ Training

The Eco-Schools’ team offer free training to any adult who works in a school, college, or nursery. The three-part training is designed to provide practical advice, inspiration, and real-life examples to educators who want to support youth-led eco-action and increase environmental education in their setting.

Get Loud on Litter!

Get Loud on Litter is a project that aims to encourage young people to understand the importance of not littering and raise awareness about the impact of litter. The Eco-Schools website has an abundance of resources, posters and lessons to engage young people.

For more information on support for schools please:

Contact sustainability

Resources and support

There are a range of services and resources to help support the delivery of Learning for Sustainability and Eco-Schools in the schools.

Reducing Waste in School

There are several ways schools can reduce the amount of waste they throw away. Waste prevention is better for the environment and usually cheaper than either recycling or waste disposal. There are lots of hints and tips available on the Let's Waste Less website.

Recycle Now

Recycle Now offer a range of free classroom resources including lessons, activities and posters designed specifically to engage and inspire children of different ages about the importance of reducing waste and everyday recycling practice. The free Action Pack resources, developed in partnership with teachers link to areas of the curriculum including PSHE, Science, English and Art. The resources are flexible and can be used together or individually. The resources can be easily accessed via the Recycle Now Schools webpage.

Visit EnviroSort 

Severn Waste Services are the waste disposal contractor for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. All of the recycling from the two counties goes to Envirosort, near Worcester, for sorting. Severn Waste have a dedicated Education Centre at EnviroSort and they host classroom-based activities around waste and recycling, as well as tours of the recycling facility for schools and adult community groups. These visits are free and Severn Waste will also subsidise coach travel for schools. Details on how to book are available at the Severn Waste Services - Education page.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust offer resources to help connect and inspire children with nature, from fun games to nature discovery packs there are lots of engaging resources available to use both outdoors and in the classroom. The trust welcome schools to visit their outdoor school, as well as offering school visits, assembles and interactive talks. Details of the free resources and school activities can be accessed via the Worcester Wildlife Trust Resources webpage.

Learning about Climate Change 

The WWF has a vast range of useful free resources for educators to use to engage and inspire children about the importance and relevance of key climate change issues. Dedicated teacher packs alongside classroom presentations can aid teachers when planning and delivering lessons. By delivering a WWF climate change activity you are able to claim the ‘Climate Hero’ certificate for your class or star Pupil! The resources can be easily accessed at the WWF Climate Change Resources webpage.

Carbon footprint calculator

The Carbon Footprint Calculator is a free online tool via the WWF that can help young people understand the impact that the everyday actions of themselves and the people around them can have on the environment. Your carbon footprint measures how much you are contributing to climate change. The bigger your carbon footprint, the more of an impact your day-to-day activities have on the amount of CO2 produced. 

To learn what your carbon footprint is, take the WWF’s Carbon Footprint Calculator quiz to find out.

Earth balloon

The earth balloon is a fantastic resource a 6.7m diameter inflatable globe which can be used for work across the curriculum but particularly for the Humanities and Sciences. In addition to supporting traditional subject areas, the resource can be used to promote the important concepts of Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship.

The earth balloon is big enough to hold a full class of students inside. You enter the globe through zippers located along either the International Date Line or the Greenwich Meridian.

Teaching resources linked to the curriculum to accompany the balloon can be provided.

The Balloon has 24 panels, one for each time zone in the world. The balloon inflates & deflates in less than 10 minutes. There is a Velcro rip-away seam in the floor which serves as an emergency exit.

Essential information

The earth balloon can only be accommodated in an indoor room with at least 7 metres clearance in all directions including especially the ceiling with light fittings or other obstacles. For reasons of Health and Safety, and to avoid undue wear and tear to the resource, it is the policy of the County Council that the earth balloon is not for outdoor use under normal circumstances. If you do not have a school hall large enough, why not get together with another school with a larger hall, or perhaps consider using other community facilities?

If you are unsure about the suitability of your venue, please get in touch to discuss.

The rate for hire of the balloon is £100 per day. This can be discussed depending on the circumstances

To hire the earth balloon

Contact learning for sustainability Team

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