Getting climate and sustainability education into the classroom
Christine Özden, Cambridge's Global Director of Climate Education, convened a panel representing sixth forms in Cambridge and Cambridge Zero, the University's climate change initiative, to discuss how education can prepare students for a different future.
The panellists were Jo Trump, Principal at Hills Road Sixth Form College, Tariq Sadiq, Careers and Employability Lead at Long Road Sixth Form College, Henry Jena, a student at Hills Road, and Dr Amy Munro-Faure, Head of Education and Student Engagement, Cambridge Zero. Together, the school leaders have responsibility for educating thousands of young people in Cambridge.
Christine Özden, Cambridge Global Director of Climate Education
Christine Özden, Cambridge Global Director of Climate Education
"This was a valuable opportunity to hear different perspectives and voices. Hearing insights from our local schools and colleges - as well as those around the world - is vital in informing our organisation's approach to climate education."
In a wide-ranging discussion, the panellists discussed what climate and sustainability education meant to them, the responsibilities of educators in addressing climate change, and preparing students for the future workplace.
"Climate change will touch every moment of our lives. As an issue, it's only going to get more important."
Jena said: "Education needs to go beyond the fact that climate change exists; it needs to be more detailed about the causes and how it's going to affect everyone's lives."
Jo Trump, Hills Road Sixth Form Principal
Jo Trump, Hills Road Sixth Form Principal
"Education has a huge role to play in addressing climate change but it has to be a joint endeavour."
In the absence of a national curriculum post-16 which mandates climate education, Hills Road offers a future ready programme with some sustainability content, and students take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), alongside A Levels. Hills Road Principal Trump articulated the benefits of the EPQ in developing agile thinking and problem solving skills.
Long Road Careers and Employability Lead, Tariq Sadiq, identified four different routes his Sixth Form uses to deliver climate education to post-16 students, from taking specific qualifications to employer-led projects that encourage problem solving, data handling, IT literacy and leadership skills.
"But it's not solely schools' responsibility to fix the climate crisis."
Tariq Sadiq, Long Road Sixth Form College
Tariq Sadiq, Long Road Sixth Form College
The future is human
There was recognition about the challenges facing young people and about encouraging a positive and active mindset in the face of other feelings including eco-anxiety, disinterest or avoidance.
Cambridge Zero's Dr Amy Munro-Faure reminded the audience that "the future is human, regardless of the scenarios". She argued we need to build resilience skills in young people and to consider that existing technologies could solve the climate crisis. She urged an interdisciplinary approach, such as making changes to a wider range of qualifications "through a climate education lens".
Dr Amy Munro-Faure, Head of Education and Student Engagement, Cambridge Zero
Dr Amy Munro-Faure, Head of Education and Student Engagement, Cambridge Zero
Christine Özden, Cambridge's Global Director of Climate Education, concluded: "The clear message to me was that educators are committed and want to do more. The panellists called for more formal recognition and funding for climate and sustainability eduation.
"Climate education post-16 is being creatively woven in - around the curriculum, through extra curricular activities, and by making the most of challenges that develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving skills. More consistent opportunities to engage young people are essential.
"We need to recognise education's role in tackling one of the greatest crises facing the world. We need bigger thinking to do better."
Interviews with speakers and attendees at the panel event on Thursday 21 March
Listening to the discussion
Listening to the discussion
Q&A with the audience
Q&A with the audience
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