In a speech at COP26, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi set out his vision for all children to be taught about the importance of conserving and protecting our planet. Teachers will receive support to deliver world-leading climate change education through a model science curriculum. This will be in place by 2023 and will teach children about nature and their impact on the world around them.
Children and young people will also be encouraged to get involved in the natural world by increasing biodiversity on the grounds of their nursery, school or college by taking small steps like installing bird feeders.
They will be able to upload their data onto a new, virtual National Education Nature Park. There, they will be able to track their progress against other schools in the country, increase their knowledge of different species, and develop skills in biodiversity mapping.
Combined, the grounds of schools, colleges, nurseries and universities in England cover an area over twice the size of Birmingham, so improving their biodiversity could have a significant impact on the environment.
Climate Leaders Award
Children and young people will also be able to undertake a new Climate Award in recognition for their work to improve their environment, with a national awards ceremony held every year.
The Climate Leaders Award will help youngsters develop their skills and knowledge in biodiversity and sustainability and celebrate their work in protecting the local environment. Young people may choose to undertake a project that delivers change in their local community.
For example, increasing the biodiversity of a neighbourhood piece of land. Or, helping to deliver experiences for younger children to explore nature and local woodland. Pupils and students will be able to progress through levels of the award in a similar way to the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Commenting is Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi.
“We want to deliver a better, safer, greener world for future generations of young people and education is one of our key weapons in the fight against climate change. Empowering teachers in every school to deliver world-leading climate change education will not only raise awareness and understanding of the problem but also equips young people with the skills and knowledge to build a sustainable future.”
The COP26 summit has further amplified the UK’s commitments to become a world leader in sustainability right across the education system; engaging young people and bringing them on our journey towards net zero and a green future.
Measures will also build on the Government’s pledge for every new school delivered under the Department’s school rebuilding programme to be cleaner, greener and net-zero in operation.
