Talking about survival
'Yes, I absolutely do think the education press should get involved with the issue of climate change. I don't think there is a choice; we are talking about survival here!'
That’s how Val Curtis, a supply teacher from the Wirral, answered our question about education media involvement in climate change. And there were plenty more replies in a similar vein.
The role of geography teaching featured strongly. Nicky Reckless is secondary projects leader for the Geographical Association, having been head of geography in a Southport comprehensive until last summer. She says: 'Not only does geography provide a platform to understand the processes thatshape our landscapes, it also gives us the tools and experiences to become more informed citizens.' The crosscutting themes of citizenship and sustainable development form a significant part of the DfES-funded action plan for geography, on which Nicky is working.
Geography teacher Tim Ennion of the Thomas Hardye school in Dorset is concerned about: 'Inaccurate, sensationalist reporting by the media, devoid of scientific rigour”. All the more important, he believes, for teachers to present all sides of the argument to their students. But “Even in the key textbooks,' he says, 'one is hard pressed to find a single reference to non-anthropogenic causes of climate change … All I am asking is that we present a balanced, objective picture to the next generation.'
Teacher Simon Taylor wrote to tell us how sixth form students at his school – Howard of Effingham in Surrey – founded Youth Against Climate Change. Its website now provides resources for assemblies, tutorial sessions and lessons. 'Any feedback from readers or additional resources would be gratefully received!' he asks. Contact the organisation through the YACC website.
Some teachers proposed resources that teachers could use with students. Marianne Griffin, a dyslexia tutor from West Sussex, recommends books 5 to 8 in the Headwork series, published by Oxford University Press. The series is targeted at Key Stage 3 students with reading ages of 6 to 9. Miriam Pye, from Cambridgeshire, suggests taking every sixth former in the country to see Al Gore’s film, An inconvenient truth.
Charity Climate Concern UK has a speaker network to increase public understanding of climate change issues. They have more than 70 speakers ready to give talks and invite discussion on this highly topical subject to schools and other local audiences. To find a Climate Concern UK speaker, phone network founder Peter Hale on: 01325 378452 or go to their Climate Speakers website.
Climate change is an issue for schools in ways other than what is taught and how. Schools represent about 15% of public sector greenhouse gas emissions – and two per cent of the UK total. Government has published a ‘Top Ten Tips’ leaflet for sustainable schools, backed by a £375 million fund for schools to become more energy efficient. 'If you only do one thing,' says the leaflet, 'educate the staff and children to turn off water and energy-using appliances when not in use!'
Good advice for everyone, whether at school or home.
