Climate clubs
Climate Clubs are designed for pupils in key stage 2 (age 7-11). They provide dedicated time for children to come together to discuss and learn more about the ways in which climate change is affecting the planet and how, as individuals and communities we can make climate-positive changes in our lives.
The clubs run over five weeks in school and are led by Groundwork’s Carbon Literacy accredited environmental education team. Each week, a different climate change topic is explored in an active and engaging way, with plenty of opportunity for discussion, questioning and hands-on activity. Topics include energy, travel, waste and fast fashion, plastic pollution, and nature and biodiversity.
At the end of a Climate Club, children are invited to make their own pledge for the planet and in recognition of their participation, will be presented with a Climate Club certificate from Groundwork. The certificates can be presented at an assembly or celebration event which the children may like to invite parents and carers along to.
The aim of a Climate Club is to empower young people to take action in their own lives to address climate change. There’s no getting away from the fact that climate change is big and scary and can loom large in the lives of our children. Climate Clubs have been designed by experienced Groundwork environmental educators to specifically recognise children’s concerns and sensitively acknowledge feelings of eco-anxiety. With this in mind, all topics are discussed with a clear focus that solutions exist and that as individuals and communities we can make a difference.
In its Strategy for Sustainability & Climate Change for Education & Children’s Services, the government made a commitment to improve and provide more support for sustainability and climate learning in schools and recently announced a new GCSE in natural history. These measures are welcomed, but we know from our work with children and families across the region that young people want to do more now. Children are passionate and knowledgeable about protecting the planet, their enthusiasm ripples out to the wider community and Groundwork’s own research into how young people are affected by and engaged in issues of climate change found overwhelmingly that young people would like to do more.
It’s also important to acknowledge that the job market is changing and that children today are much more likely to progress into green careers than current generations. Establishing an understanding of climate issues at this point in their lives can help inspire important future decisions.
Giving young people a voice in decisions that affect their futures is important to Groundwork. We understand how young people feel about the global threats attached to climate change, so we help turn their anxiety into action
Laura Ferrier, Team Manager, Groundwork East