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Green influencers from St Michael's Handsworth

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Green influencers from St Michael's Handsworth

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This great assembly (not collective worship) showcases the work pupils have undertaken on carbon literacy with Stephen Whitehead, green mentor from Handsworth Association of Schools. Pupils are learning about the way that they can change themselves, their school and their families to look after the world.

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St Michael's C of E Climate Action Assembly

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Eco champions at St Mary's school in Sheffield

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Eco champions at St Mary's school in Sheffield

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Pupils at St Mary's have increased biodiversity by turning an unloved bit of school yard into a flourishing garden. In this 5 minute clip, we see pupils at work and hear from the eco lead teacher and the headteacher about why this work is important in their church school.

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St Mary's Walkley School: giving nature a home

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The each the future website shows how to exploit the opportunities to teach about climate change in each curriculum area.

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Our current education isn't good enough. Students aren't being prepared to face the effects of climate change, or taught to understand the solutions. But we can change this.

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This great little book with 10 outlines for class worship in the natural environment. Written by Dr Ryan Parker (St Alban's diocese) and Engage Worship, each active worship session is a mix of outdoor learning, and praise/reflection on caring for God’s world. Follow the link to find how to order it: hard copy £10; pdf £8.

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OUT NOW!

Take your collective worship into nature with these 10 sessions of primary-school-friendly gatherings. Each 20 minute act of worship is inclusive, invitational and inspiring, with a broadly Christian nature and is appropriate for modern schools. We would encourage you to adapt them for your own classroom situation.

These sessions are designed to be used in whatever outside space you have - a playground, school garden, wooded area or field. We believe there is something special about worshipping outdoors, and encourage you to make the most of whatever natural, open-air setting you have. The activities outlined in the resource include games, songs, poems, prayers and lots of engagement with nature.

The book also comes with access to downloadable, printable sheets with attractive and engaging illustrations.

These sessions have been developed in collaboration with the schools department of the Diocese of St Albans, and follow the format of Gather, Engage, Respond and Send as recommended to Church of England schools. Themes include caring for the environment, enjoying nature, learning about plants and animals, and awe at the beauty of God's world. Ryan Parker RE and Christian Ethos Adviser from Diocese of St Albans, writes:

"These high-quality collective worship plans for outdoors have been designed to help pupils develop their heart for the earth. They provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to reflect deeply on their relationship with and to the natural world in a way which links to 'heads', 'hearts' and 'hands'."

Sample pages:

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Take your collective worship into nature with these 10 sessions of primary-school-friendly gatherings. Each 20 minute act of worship is inclusive, invitational and inspiring, with a broadly Christian nature and is appropriate for modern schools. We would encourage you to adapt them for your own classroom situation.

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25 ideas for simple activities that can make school more eco friendly

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25 of the best ‘Eco School’ activity ideas

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Looking for some Eco themed inspiration? In this blog we have collated and share 25 ideas for your school or Eco Club.

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DfE sustainability and climate Dec 23 pdf

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DfE sustainability and climate Dec 23 pdf

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In pdf format for easier consumption

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This 10 minute TED talk by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, for adults, inspires people to identify how they can harness their own gifts and enthusiasms to do what they can themselves to affect change in the world - rather than doing what works for other people. She has produced a great Venn diagram to help adults work this out https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/climatevenn Would it work for older pupils?

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How to Find Joy in Climate Action | Ayana Elizabeth Johnson | TED

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This 30 minute video gives ideas about how to integrate climate and nature into the curriculum

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Building climate and nature into the curriculum

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2,500 trees planted across Gateshead schools to improve green spaces and tackle climate change - Gateshead Council

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Schools across Gateshead have planted thousands of trees thanks to an ambitious partnership between the council and the Royal Forestry Society (RFS). The project has supported schools to plant 2,500 trees in less than six months.

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Comprehensive plans for making the school more sustainable

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https://imaginor.co.uk/publications/free-publications-to-download/ 16pp primary school activity pack from Imaginor, blends scientific understanding of the world around and spiritual response. Great for Forest Schools and use in other outdoor spaces. Experience Creation in Spring will follow.

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1 minute video featuring young people.

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Today is Earth Day! 🌍 We spoke to children and young people from Church of England schools across the country, asking them why tackling climate change is important to them. Find out more about our plan to reach net zero carbon by 2030 at cofe.io/EnvironmentProgramme. #EarthDay #Environment #ChurchofEngland #climate

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@thechurchofengland
Today is Earth Day! 🌍 We spoke to children and young people from Church of England schools across the country, asking them why tackling climate change is important to them. Find out more about our plan to reach net zero carbon by 2030 at cofe.io/EnvironmentProgramme. #EarthDay #Environment #ChurchofEngland #climate
♬ original sound - Church Of England

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Norwich diocesan guide to church school sustainability

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Norwich diocesan guide to church school sustainability

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This 46 pp guide offers a theologically informed approach to creating more sustainable church schools - containing:

passages from the Bible,

prayers including from pupils

3 outlines for collective worship and related songs.

RE guidance is based on the Norwich syllabus, but adds information about ecology in the major world religions.

Links to other helpful organisations

Titles of children's books that contribute well to environmental themes.

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Collective worship - Heart for the Earth and electricity focus

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Collective worship - Heart for the Earth and electricity focus

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Inspiring outline for collective worship with slides and video of pupils' views. Click on primary to find the materials- based on St Alban's Heart for the Earth resource.

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Inspiring outlines for collective worship on the theme of water with outlines, slides and a video. Click on Primary to see the resources - based on St Alban's Heart for the Earth project.

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Collective worship ecology and biodiversity

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Collective worship ecology and biodiversity

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Inspiring outlines for collective worship on ecology and biodiversity with slides and videos, based on St Alban's Heart for the Earth project.

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Eco schools is an award given to schools that go on a journey led by a pupil team. Several schools find the resources and training vital to changing the school culture

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Church of England film about schools reducing carbon

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Church of England film about schools reducing carbon

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This two minute film gives simple tips about making a start on a sustainability journey. It could be useful for a staff meeting or a GB meeting.

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DfE sustainability and climate change Dec 23 web

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DfE sustainability and climate change Dec 23 web

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Link to the government advice and expectations of schools in relation to climate change

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Sustainability and climate change: a strategy for the education and children’s services systems

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Let's go zero is a charity working to support schools with responding to climate change

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The UK's zero carbon schools campaign, uniting schools working to become carbon zero by 2030 and safeguard the planet for future generations.

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Church of England advice and guidance for schools about how to reduce carbon emissions

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Reducing emissions from schools | The Church of England

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Steps schools can take to reduce their carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

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The Count your Carbon website hosts a 3 minute film about collecting carbon emission data, and an explanation about how to complete a return with this information. Each school is asked to register with Count your Carbon, to enable the programme to respond with a print out and recommendations.

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Every year in England, schools emit more than 10 million tonnes of carbon. What if we could do something to change that?

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Find here guidance about collecting data for the form.

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Inspiring outlines for collective worship on the sun and CO2 with slides. Click on Primary to access - materials based on St Alban's Heart for the Earth project

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Inspiring outlines for collective worship with outlines, slides and a video. Click on Primary for materials - based on St Albans Heart for the Earth project

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Inspiring collective worship outlines with slides and a video. Click on Primary for materials - based on St Alban's Heart for the Earth project

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7 minute video from Let's Go Zero with simple-to-implement ideas to reduce energy use - and costs.

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Quick wins for schools to be more energy efficient

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St Alban's diocese - Heart for the Earth - school resources

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St Alban's diocese - Heart for the Earth - school resources

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St Alban's diocese - advice for schools about how to think about caring for the earth, with thoughts about the curriculum, collective worship and spirituality

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This charity supports schools with analysing energy usage so that reductions can be made.

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3 collective worship outlines on creation from Leeds diocese

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3 collective worship outlines on creation from Leeds diocese

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From their diocesan initiative "Saving Creation" leaders from Leeds diocese have created 3 acts of worship:

God's gardeners

Time to rest

Justice for all

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outlines to supplement the earlier 3: Having everything

Temple of God

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Images for use with outline 5 Temple of God

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Images for use with outline 5 Temple of God

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There are images of 5 places of worship in Leeds, then two of the Holy of Holies from the Temple. You may want to include images of places of worship that are local to your school.

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Books on sustainable themes from Peters bookshop

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Books on sustainable themes from Peters bookshop

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A good range of books is available in an environmental sustainability pack. See also the Earth day pack.

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Covers shown are representative of the contents of each pack, your selection may vary.

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Find helpful advice about how to complete the Count your Carbon document.

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Count Your Carbon - Climate Action Advisors prep sheet.pdf

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Songs for justice from Fischy Music and Christian Aid

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Songs for justice from Fischy Music and Christian Aid

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Motivational songs to inspire a call for justice

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Christian Aid has partnered with Fischy Music to create three songs reflecting on justice.

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Religious Education unit about justice for UKS2 from Christian Aid

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Religious Education unit about justice for UKS2 from Christian Aid

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A ten hour unit of work exploring the ideas of wealth and justice across three religious traditions, through the work of Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and Khalsa Aid.

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Christian Aid has partnered with Fischy Music to create three songs reflecting on justice.

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Christian Aid art and language project to engage pupils in expressing their view about climate justice https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/schools/creative-climate. Last year, St Peter's Primary school in Harborne mounted a wonderful exhibition of eye-catching and thoughtful work that engaged parents and local community members. Artwork was displayed in Parliament. To have chance this year, expressions of interest must be made by November 25th

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Film of pupils' artwork displayed in Parliament 2023

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Film of pupils' artwork displayed in Parliament 2023

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This 5 minute film gives an insight the kinds of artwork that were displayed in Parliament as part of Christian Aid's Creative for Climate Justice.

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Get Creative for Climate Justice | CAFOD

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Get Creative for Climate Justice
---
Get Creative For Climate Justice asks children and young people across the UK to use their creativity and send a loud and clear climate justice message to MPs and Government Ministers.
 
After learning about how it is those on the frontline of the climate crisis have done the least to cause it, and how it is the responsibility of wealthy countries to take action, an amazing collection of art was produced for an exhibition in the UK Parliament.

Find out more and sign up for this year’s project at https://cafod.org.uk/education/campaign-in-your-school/get-creative-for-climate-justice
---
CAFOD stands for the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development. We are an international development charity and the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

We stand beside people living in poverty – whatever their religion or culture. Through local Church partners, we help people directly in their own communities, and campaign for global justice, so that everyone can reach their full potential.

CAFOD works in communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Learn about CAFOD: https://cafod.org.uk

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Children's books on environmental themes

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Children's books on environmental themes

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How are environmental themes introduced into the curriculum? Here is a range of books that provide a good way in.

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Best children’s books - Environmental Sustainability

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Discover our recommended booklist - Environmental Sustainability - with the best books and quality texts for primary ages and topics, reviewed and selected by experts.

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This is a detailed document with progressively more intensive actions. Concentrate first on the Quick Wins (p2)

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Somebody swallowed Stanley (Sarah Roberts)- book read aloud.

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Somebody swallowed Stanley (Sarah Roberts)- book read aloud.

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This moving story enables younger children to understand the perils of plastic in the seas.

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▷ Somebody Swallowed Stanley — Reading Children's Books #13

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Natural History Museum - What you can do to help the planet - powerpoint slides  

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Natural History Museum - What you can do to help the planet - powerpoint slides  

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General practical steps to reduce negative human impact on the planet with cheerful illustrations

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One school's vision and sustainability journey

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One school's vision and sustainability journey

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A primary school in Blackburn diocese explaining how their Christian vision has driven their journey to sustainability and decarbonisation

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Living out our vision through Decarbonisation | The Parish of Saint Laurence CE Primary School

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The Parish of Saint Laurence CE Primary School

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Church of England prayers for the environment

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Church of England prayers for the environment

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These are prayers written by adults for church services. They could easily be adapted, and made more inclusive of all present, for use in schools.

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Prayers for World Environment Day | The Church of England

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Prayers for World Environment Day held on 5 June each year.

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These powerful prayers from the Methodist church are short clips of slides which are read. Produced ahead of COP26, they include lines specifically about that conference, but the ideas in the prayers address confession, climate justice and positive action.

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God loves you unconditionally, no strings attached. That’s the good news.

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Compassion UK has prayers prepared of COP29, but can be adapted for use in school. There are specific prayers about children.

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A really helpful guide for governors to take a responsible approach to sustainability in schools

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This plan, created by the Church of England, supports schools in planning for future if/when the current heating system fails. It is better to have a direction of travel in mind, rather than making plans on the hoof, in an emergency!

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Prayer spaces in schools have great ideas for activities outdoors.

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Outdoor Prayer Spaces - Prayer Spaces In Schools

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An outdoor prayer space is one that embraces the natural environment as its setting and draws on nature for its prayer activities. Many people say they feel closest to God in the outdoors and a prayer space here engages this instinctive response to nature to enable an exploration of prayer that isn’t possible indoors. Some […]

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How to get school members on board with being leaders and encouraging others to make a difference to the local environment.

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Whether your classes are in person or virtual, at home or in a building, spark change and promote a culture of sustainability by starting a school green team. Students, parents, guardians, teachers and others can get involved and take initiative.

Solving the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises requires transformational change. Environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discourse. Places of learning can play a critical part in empowering current and future leaders. A green team can help the school community move toward sustainability while cultivating student autonomy, responsibility, leadership, eco-consciousness and much more!

Why start a school green team?

A green team addresses environmental concerns and makes a school and/or local community sustainable through advocacy and action. It can include students, staff and/or parents and guardians.

Create one at your elementary, middle or secondary school. You'll see many economic, social and educational benefits.

Foster environmental awareness

A school green team provides opportunities to educate, raise awareness and engage with pressing environmental issues inside and outside the classroom. It can also motivate everyone involved to adopt green practices and take climate action outside school.

Create environmental stewards and advocates

Teaching kids to champion nature ignites their commitment to a lifetime of taking care of Earth. Your team's campaigns will provide advocating, organizing and communications experience. It will help shape leaders, problem solvers and agents of change.

Inspire community engagement

A school green team brings people together to work toward common goals. It relies on collaboration, which helps create a sense community and shared responsibility.

Hands-on learning

By participating in school green team sustainability projects, students gain practical knowledge about environmental issues and develop skills in different ways to reduce their impact (e.g., native plant gardening, waste diversion, etc.).

Save money

Sustainable practices, such as reducing energy and water consumption, save money. Redirect those to other educational needs.

How to start a school green team

The first step is to get buy-in from staff, faculty and administration. This will give you permission to host an on-site or online student group. And it will ensure your green team realizes its goals and implements them schoolwide. You'll need dedicated space (if in person) and scheduled time. Meet during lunch breaks or after school.

Starting a school green team requires dedication, collaboration and patience. If you need help getting your idea off the ground, apply for EcoSchool certification. You'll get a framework and a toolbox.

As a student

If you're a student, identify key advocates and supporters. Do you know teachers or other staff who share your passion for sustainability? Seek their advice and help in bringing your idea forward. Work together to build a proposal that outlines the school green team objectives, benefits and action plan. Emphasize how it will enhance the school community.

As a staff member

If you're on staff, seek allies. Reach out to colleagues who share your interest in sustainability. Build a supportive faculty network. Collaborate on a proposal and present it to leadership.

Explore ways to incorporate sustainability topics into lessons. That way you can showcase the educational benefits of deploying a school green team while teaching related topics such as the importance of environmental stewardship. Take students outside for intentional time in nature.

As a parent or guardian

Caregivers can also play a pivotal role in kickstarting a school green team. Establish communications with administrators, teachers and other staff. Share your interest in starting a green team and inquire about their support. Form a small group to advocate for the green team's creation. Ask school administrators to recruit interested student volunteers.

Build your team

Aim for representation from different grades, faculty and staff from maintenance and operations. Encourage teachers from various subjects to take part. Seek out parents committed to the cause and willing to contribute their time, resources and/or expertise. Establish a meeting time and regular physical place or online time where everyone can meet for 30 to 60 minutes every week (or as often as possible). Ensure all students have signed permission slips allowing them to meet at the designated time and place each week.

Build positive team culture

A positive, supportive team culture will help your school green team work together. They'll spend less time navigating conflicts and more on achieving their goals.

Sit in a circle when meeting as an in-person group. Online, encourage people to turn their cameras on so people can see each other. This promotes fairness and allows students to focus on each other.

Emphasize inclusivity and diversity. Make it clear that everyone's opinions and contributions are valued, regardless of background, abilities or interests.

Encourage open and honest communication. Emphasize sharing thoughts and ideas. Don't allow judgement or ridicule. All this fosters trust.

Lead by example. Model the behaviour and attitude you want to see in your students.

Host regular check-ins with green team members to discuss experiences, challenges and ideas for improvement. Make sure people feel heard and valued.

Create space for climate anxiety and grief. Caring about the climate crisis can be mentally draining and stir up anger, grief and anxiety. Host an climate support group. (Remember: action is the antidote to despair!) Focus on hope.

Building a positive school green team culture takes time and ongoing, consistent effort. Be patient and persistent. Reinforce values and behaviours that contribute to a healthy, supportive learning environment.

Define your vision

Imagine and discuss what sustainability might look like. Find out what other school green teams are doing for inspiration. Survey your team (or post an open survey to the whole school) to learn what issues or activities people are most passionate about. Write an environmental vision statement.

Assess your school's needs

Encouraging sustainable practices at school is not easy. It requires participation from staff at all levels. Ask your school's facilities team to help you request these audits and assessments:

Request or host waste and recycling audits. These can reveal opportunities to reduce waste, increase recycling and start composting. If staff don't have resources or time to conduct their own, host them. Get everyone involved.

Request a water assessment. This will assess your school's water use and potential leaks. It will identify opportunities for water efficiency improvements and promote water conservation practices.

Request an energy audit. This will identify areas of high energy use and potential energy saving opportunities.

Choose your goals and develop an action plan

Use audit and survey results to brainstorm and set clear, achievable goals. Consider short- and long-term objectives that include fun, engaging activities.

Tip! Check your municipal government and/or local school board websites for environmental education program guides and information.

Examples of school green team goals:

Possible school green team activities:

Create spaces that build awareness around green team goals to strengthen your team and build momentum.

School ground or community clean-up. Litter releases pollutants into the air, water and soil.

Zero-waste classroom. Demonstrate the principles of waste reduction and material consumption.

Native plant garden. Native plants attract pollinators and help capture and recycle rainwater run-off. Transform existing unused green space or ask for garden space to plant. Host hands-on workshops that teach the importance of native plants and pollinators. Help grow young farmers.

Rain barrels. Catch rainwater that can be used for your school garden. Encourage fun creativity by running a rain barrel painting party.

Commuter challenge. Inspire active transportation and promote urban sustainability. Host a wrap party to celebrate challenge stories and success. (Maybe organize a bike bus.)

Supplies drive. At the beginning or end of an academic term or year, help students with excess, unused supplies such as notepads, pens, binders and backpacks give them to other students or donate them to the community.

Recycling centre or landfill visit. Expose students to waste diversion efforts and programs.

Climate rally. Young people are at the forefront of climate action and more school boards are supporting student participation during school hours. Your green team can lead on this for your school. Host sign-making workshops, provide rally safety information and determine a meeting space on the day of the event.

Craft. Use "waste" and/or recyclables to create a mural for your classroom. Host an art competition using stuff found in your schoolyard or from a community clean-up.

Remember: Do what you can, with what you have. Don't burn yourself and the group out by setting overly ambitious goals too quickly. Start small and work your way up.

How to advocate for change when met with resistance

Advocacy aims to influence policies in social, political, economic and cultural spaces to elevate justice and positive change. Student advocates inspire change by taking "what is" and transforming it into "what should be." A school green team is a perfect place for this work - a collaborative setting that can help ensure implemented changes last. But it's common for advocacy to be met with some resistance.

To help tailor your approach, first try to understand the sources of obstacles. Are they coming from specific individuals, lack of knowledge, budget constraints, concerns about impacts of change?

Connect over shared values. Climate change conversations can be challenging. Start by naming shared values. Advocate for the "why" that inspired your school green team. Our CliMate chatbot can help!

Provide data and evidence that supports your goals, projects and ideas. Show how similar initiatives have been successful elsewhere. Provide concrete examples of the positive impact sustainability practices will have on the school community.

Invite collaboration. Involve resistant parties in the decision-making process. Seek their input in shaping initiatives. Help them feel more invested in the mission.

Leverage external resources. Seek support and guidance from sustainability organizations, experts and community partners. They can provide valuable insights and resources to overcome specific challenges.

Address budget concerns. If these are primary problems, explore funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships or cost-sharing with other departments. Or try fundraising - use these tips to get started.

Addressing obstacles and resistance is a natural part of advocating for change. By taking a strategic, patient approach and building a network of support, you can overcome these challenges and drive your school green team initiatives and goals forward.

According to a David Suzuki Foundation survey, people who spend time outside when they're young are 20 per cent more likely to take part in outdoor programs or to explore nature on their own when they're older. And getting kids into nature will provide some of their best childhood memories.

Make it fun and celebrate progress

School is a place for learning, growing and having fun. Ensure activities you plan and host to support your school green team's aims are engaging, collaborative and encourage play and joy. Gamify your goals. Incentivize participation in challenges. Be creative.

Document your green team journey and share your success stories within your school and with other schools and communities. Prepare a monthly bulletin or newsletter. Write to your local newspaper. Your experiences and lessons can inspire others to take similar steps toward school sustainability.

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Whether your classes are in person or virtual, at home or in a building, spark change and promote a culture of sustainability by starting a school green team. Students, parents, guardians, teachers and others can get involved and take initiative.

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School and parish church enhancing biodiversity

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School and parish church enhancing biodiversity

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This five minute clip shows a church and school working together to enhance biodiversity. Norwich is leading the way here. Do note, therefore, that little human diversity is seen in the film, and there is an expectation that most households benefit from gardens!

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Nature recovery in Harleston - a community biodiversity initiative

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Some guidance for schools on where support for school leaders can be found. DBE services has given advice to the Church of England Education Office, and now mainly supports dioceses in the north of England.

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Net Zero Carbon Schools, the place for inspiration, ideas and information on your journey to becoming carbon neutral.

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The Better Planet Schools charity supports teaching pupils about energy saving, by providing lesson plans and giving practical tips. They claim to help schools save 10-15% on energy bills. There is usually an annual fee, but there are free places currently. https://www.betterplanetschools.org.uk/schools

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Becky and Nick Drake's song "One World" encouraging everyone to look after our world

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One World by Songs For School. Creation Care & Harvest song.#climatechange #climate #creation #world

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Climate anxiety resource - Christian Aid

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Climate anxiety resource - Christian Aid

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Christian Aid, working with Ian Long from blobtree.com and Jo McAndrews from the Climate Psychology Alliance, has produced resources for exploring and reassuring pupils who are worried about the climate emergency. This resource offers a compelling and accessible way to have conversations about climate emotions.

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Resources to support all-ages to explore and understand their feelings around climate change.

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Collective Worship on Christian Aid's and climate justice

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Collective Worship on Christian Aid's and climate justice

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In partnership with St Alban's diocese, Christian Aid has prepared this Seeing Anew style of collective worship for primary aged pupils to explore the activity of Christian Aid in bringing attention to climate injustice and inviting prayer for their work.

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Heart for the Earth Primary Assembly - Christian Aid

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An assembly exploring the theme of climate justice and the work of Christian Aid.

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A children's choir from the South of England recorded this song in 2019. Taking inspiration from the activity of Greta Thunberg, It is a passionate plea to adults to do something to stop the destruction of life on the planet.

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SOS from the Kids - (Official Music Video)

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This song can be played for children to listen to, or to sing. The lyrics can be explored as a poem with older pupils

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One way of raising pupils' awareness and giving them an opportunity to express their ideas creatively is to enter Spirited Arts competition. This is one the 2024 winners in the category Green Faith, Green Future. 2025 themes include All God's creatures? and Sacred Places. Both of these can be explored with 'Creation Care' lens. https://www.natre.org.uk/about-natre/projects/spirited-arts/

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Putting together a climate action plan can be a challenge: "Where do I start?" Take advantage of this free support, while it is available.

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Projects with teaching materials about trees for pupils

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Schools and Groups - How to get started - Royal Forestry Society

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A schools and groups tree focused activity pack to achieve the Green Tree Badge, get started.

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Simple explainer about climate change. Why is it happening? Better for adults or older pupils in short sections.

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Assess and manage flood risks in schools

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Assess and manage flood risks in schools

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Government advice about how to look at the school site and try to minimise risk factors. There is a link to use the school's postcode to get calculated flood risk.

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18pp document summarising 2025 standards for school sites (from Good Estate Management of Schools - GEMS). It outlines 4 levels of proficiency. Carbon reduction activity is included in these.

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Under the heading of 'Adaptation', schools are advised to adopt a heatwave protocol. The NEU's recommendation can be found here.

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Joint union heatwave protocol | National Education Union

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Recent years have shown that increasing extremes of weather are becoming more and more common.

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DfE advice on cutting down energy and water use

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DfE advice on cutting down energy and water use

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This 10pp document gives practical suggestions about reducing water and energy use (and saving money). This advice includes educating the school community, monitoring meters, checking bills, and installing water conserving devices.

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RAFT Church of England Energy and Buildings Audit with surplus cells cancelled.

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Guidance about which pages to complete within the RAFT CofE Energy and buildings self-audit.

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Climate Ambassadors Climate Action Plan template and advice

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Climate Ambassadors Climate Action Plan template and advice

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Let's Go Zero has a template for a climate action plan (Request it from Jill). Climate Ambassadors have an alternate one with prompt questions.

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This introduction to a complementary organisation to Let's Go Zero gives some clear answers to basic questions about sustainability

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Climate Ambassador intro for Ed Settings

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Step by step guide to accessing support from Climate Ambassadors

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Step by step guide to accessing support from Climate Ambassadors

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Climate Ambassadors have a range of experienced and enthusiastic volunteers who can be matched to your school according to the specific matter with which you would like help. This guide explains how to make a request, and how to post a request for specific help.

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Guidance about how to improve the school environment and increase biodiversity.

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Boosting nature in education. Nature is in trouble, and we know that young people and educators want to act and make a difference for the planet.

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Commissioned by the DfE, the website has a range of targeted support and ideas for schools to address sustainability. It does not just draw on ideas from the UK.

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The problem

The education sector is key to a more sustainable future - both in terms of the operations and estates of education settings, and ensuring we are preparing learners with awareness and green skills. Many settings have already made a start on their sustainability journeys. But research tells us they struggle to progress due to lack of time, resource, and sustainability expertise.

We know there are lots of great resources out there to help education settings overcome these challenges. However, educators tell us it can be overwhelming just deciding on next steps, and they don't have the time or know-how to find the right support for their setting.

What we're doing to help

Our aim is to promote the good work that has already been done in creating sustainability support for education settings. We will help settings find resources (such as guidance, support services, toolkits) that suit where they are on their sustainability journey, and guide them to take their next steps.

We will work closely with resource providers over the coming months to add resources that suit different settings across different aspects of sustainability.

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Sustainability Support for Education will help you find ideas and resources that are relevant to you and your setting.

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Birmingham based charity that supplies wildflower seeds - for a small donation.

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The Patchwork Meadow – Bringing back pollinators. Enhancing urban landscapes. Connecting people.

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Creating ‘pit stops’ for bees and other pollinators

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National charity, with Handsworth links, has a toolkit to encourage schools to reduce carbon. The toolkit was created with students. It is downloadable from the website.

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The Great Imagining carbon reduction toolkit in partnership with Birmingham University and Handsworth Association of Schools.

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We’re giving away hundreds of thousands of trees

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Pupils in rural school in Norfolk garden and campaign 

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Pupils in rural school in Norfolk garden and campaign 

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This five minute video has pupil's voices with their hopes for the future, as well as showing their gardening. How realistic are the children's hopes and actions?

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Voices for Creation: church and school together

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Christian Aid climate change explainer for age 7 upward

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Christian Aid climate change explainer for age 7 upward

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A simple explanation of climate change and young people's involvement in protesting, expressed in non-scary, but urgent, terms. The voice-over is quite quiet, but the images are good.

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Age: 7-11/11-14
Subject areas:

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)/Global Citizenship

Geography/Environmental Studies

Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE)/Personal, social and emotional development (PSED)

Religious Education (RE)/Religious Studies (RS)

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Age: 7-11/11-14 Subject areas: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)/Global Citizenship Geography/Environmental Studies Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE)/Personal, social and emotional development (PSED) Religious Education (RE)/Religious Studies (RS)