School children stage Sunderland's very own COP

Sunderland school children recently descended on Sunderland city centre [12 June] to discuss climate change with two of the field's leading experts and share some of the work they have been doing to tackle climate change. 

The Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools Conference, held at City Hall, attracted over 100 attendees - mostly pupils from primary, secondary schools across the city. 

The guest speakers included Professor Chris Stokes from Durham University and leading education leadership consultant, Dr David Dixon. 

The pair discussed topics including climate science, COP28, and actions we can take to make a difference, as well as giving those in attendance a chance to ask questions. 

Staff and learners who have been working to achieve Climate Friendly School Status also showcased their projects presenting activities from food growing and uniform swaps to energy saving and supporting walking and cycling. 

Professor Chris Stokes said: "I was really inspired by this event, which showcased some of the amazing work that schools in this area are doing to help combat climate change. It was a real privilege to witness the energy and enthusiasm of the children and their sheer determination to try and create a better world for their future." 

The event was the second of its kind to take place since the launch of the Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools project in November 2022. 

Delivered by Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists (OASES) and led by Sunderland City Council, the programme was introduced to improve environmental literacy and enable schools to take action to tackle climate change. 

Joanne Appleby, chief executive officer of OASES, said: "It is now more important than ever that good quality, accurate climate change teaching occurs in schools, and that there is appropriate support available for young people to consider and air their climate concerns.   

"Climate Friendly Schools is helping whole-school communities in Sunderland rise to this challenge. We hope the young people involved will be empowered and enabled to take positive climate action to build a better future for all." 

All Sunderland schools were invited to apply for the pilot programme, with Kepier, St Anthony's Girls Catholic Academy, Portland Academy, Albany Village Primary School, Barmston Village Primary School, Barnes Junior School, Hetton Lyons Primary School, Hudson Road Primary School, Seaburn Dene Primary School and Wessington Primary School selected to take part. 

Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, said: "It was fantastic that so many young people joined the event and  that children of all ages were so enthused by the activities and talks they participated in.   

"Engaging young people from an early age is one of the key objectives of our Low Carbon Framework, which outlines our ambition to be a carbon neutral city by 2040, and projects like this are a great example of how we are continuing to do just that." 

The 10 participating schools have received intensive support from OASES to form Climate Friendly Action teams made up of staff and learners, to undertake an audit of their curriculum, school buildings, grounds and operations and to develop action plans to make climate-friendly changes. 

Examples of the carbon-cutting actions the schools have taken include growing vegetables, introducing children to possible future careers in the green economy, promoting a uniform swap shop, installing a water butt to harvest rainwater, creating an energy saving campaign in school, investigating renewable technologies to install and planting trees. 

Stephen Jones, Head Teacher at Albany Village Primary School, said: "It was great for some of our pupils to attend the conference with Mrs Harrison, our lead teacher for Outdoor education, and myself, so that we could share our experiences.  

"The pupils, members of our Eco Council, had developed a PowerPoint to share with delegates and were excited to share our successes and future plans to an audience of like-minded pupils and adults.  

"They were also encouraged to pick up ideas from other schools to bring back and discuss for Year 3 of the programme. As a headteacher, it is so encouraging to see our young people motivated to this degree, and I feel confident that, as they develop even greater understanding of sustainability and the impact of people upon the environment that they will ensure mistakes of the past are not repeated and the Earth is going to be in safe hands for future generations." 
 
Seaburn Dene pupil Anya agreed, adding: "Being part of the Climate Friendly School's Conference was an amazing experience because everyone got to see what other kids get up to in their schools to be environmentally friendly." 

Meanwhile, Sandhill View Academy, St Aidan's Catholic Academy, Harry Watts Academy, Ryhope Junior School and St Benet's RC Primary School have helped develop and trial the Wear Sustainable Low Carbon Resources which will be made available for all key stages to learn about Sunderland's Low Carbon journey.  

Five lesson plans have been developed for all key stages, including supporting materials and an optional associated loan box. Two trail routes have also been developed through Sunderland city centre, highlighting the local history and the city's transition to a lower carbon future.  

Richard Merrington of St Benet's RC Primary School, added: "The Sunderland Climate Friendly Conference was a really educational and engaging day for staff and pupils alike. We all learned a lot from the brilliant key speakers and the children really enjoyed the activities provided for the day. We will definitely be attending again in the future." 

For more information on the Climate Friendly Schools project, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/LowCarbon 

The Wear Sustainable resources are free for Sunderland schools to download via: https://mysunderland.co.uk/wearsustainableresources