Earth Protectors Conference
Bedales hosted a conference for primary school educators in conjunction with The Sustainability Centre. The event was presented by educators and teachers for teachers, and included case studies showing how to embed eco-learning across school years.
In addition to Bedales, presenting schools included Evendons Primary Free School, Wokingham and South Bank International Primary School, London.
The conference succeeded in bringing together a diverse range of inspiring eco ideas delivered by schools. Presenting schools provided real examples of eco-learning that have worked within their schools and grounds by showcasing sustainable ideas in action. There were case studies and ‘how to’ tips, peer to peer presentations, input from expert environmental educators, and pupil participation.
Aims
To support primary school teachers to embed eco-learning in their schools in order to inspire a green generation.
Access to case studies, ‘how to’ tips for teachers, peer to peer presentations, expert environmental educators, and pupil participation.
Keynote speech from Ann Finlayson, Executive Chair of Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEEd). She spoke about a “whole school” approach to sustainability with children learning so much more through involvement in making their whole school sustainable, from the grounds and the garden to the waste recycling, stationery and the kitchens. Ann is an ex-countryside ranger in Scotland, was Head of Education/Social Change at WWF-UK and the Commissioner for Education and Capability Building for the Sustainable Development Commission (2005-2010).
Background
The event was organised by The Sustainability Centre and hosted at Bedales School.
The Sustainability Centre aimed to bring together a diverse range of ideas delivered by schools linked with the Centre. Presenting schools provided ideas for eco-learning within their schools and grounds by showcasing sustainable ideas in action.
This topical event focused on our urgent need to protect the environment. It was an active response enabling teachers to integrate eco-learning in the classroom.
With its position in the heart of the South Downs National Park, The Sustainability Centre aims to educate, enable and inspire people from all walks of life to make positive changes to the way they live and work. The Centre is spread across 55 acres of woodland and natural chalk downland.
Also located within the South Downs National Park, Bedales has had a track record of innovation since its foundation over 125 years ago. In 2006 the school introduced its own alternative to GCSEs – Bedales Assessed Courses - written by teachers with external moderation, and accepted by UCAS. Courses include BACs in Geography, Outdoor Work and Global Awareness. The school is launching a new sustainable living Sixth Form Course, Living with the Land, in 2020, which will enable students to look at the wider context for the issues surrounding the environment and people’s impact upon it.
Bedales Head of Geography, was awarded the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) & Ordnance Survey Award for ‘Excellence in Geography education at the secondary level’ in 2017. He has developed Teachers against Climate Breakdown, a collection of resources for teachers to teach the climate and ecological emergency and is one of the UK’s first United Nations-accredited climate change teachers.
Resources
The event was free for teachers, organised by The Sustainability Centre, sponsored by the South Downs National Park and hosted by Bedales School.
Ideas for teachers compiled by Paul Turner: https://www.geographypaul.com/teachers-against-climate-breakdown
SEED: https://se-ed.co.uk/edu/resources/ - hub for bringing together, sharing and enhancing best practice in sustainability and environmental education.
Impact
56 different schools were represented with 80 people attending.
Delegate comments included:
“Thank you to the organisers for such a fab event for teachers and those teaching in outdoor education and forest school”.
“A great earth protectors’ conference. I particularly enjoyed Paul Turner’s presentation: “we are nature and not apart from nature.”
“An inspiring event full of hope and positive projects for building a sustainable future.”
“Little green lightbulb moments were happening everywhere as teachers realised they were not alone in wanting to inspire children to ask all the right questions and begin to create their own sustainable schools.”
“Climate emergency was firmly on the agenda, and so were ideas for teachers to integrate these eco topics and actions in to every part of the Primary School curriculum.”
“Thank you for the inspiring talks from pupils. The passion was palpable and so visible. Congratulations”.
From one relieved teacher: “I am not alone”.
“The most inspirational thing was listening to children who so clearly understand sustainability and have actually made it happen”.
“Now is the moment to engage and inspire young people to explore eco alternatives. It is often these same young people who point out the obvious changes and challenge the schools to turn their administration on its head.”
“Once young minds understand what is needed, their straight talking is hard to ignore.”
Pupil Involvement
The event was targeted at primary teachers and included three primary pupils as presenters.
Frequency
This was a one-off event, although contacts were made and new collaborations expcted to flourish.
