The Climate Change Schools project is a ground breaking and unique educational initiative being piloted in North East England.

A pioneering approach to teaching climate change has taken off in the North East.  Eighty visionary schools have signed up to become the region's new Climate Change Lead Schools who, over the next year, will pilot an innovative method of putting climate change at the heart of the national curriculum.  They will help pave the way for what is hoped will become a national programme of positive climate change education and action, led by the North East and our young people.

The Climate Change Schools Project, which supports the Lead Schools network, aims to bring climate change to life in a creative, dynamic and cross-curricular way for Key Stages 2 and 3.  Its overall goal is to help young people understand that it is their generation who have an amazing opportunity to change the world.  Lead Schools will access specially produced materials developed by inspiring North East teachers and undergo tailored continuing professional development courses to help establish themselves in the network and expand their leadership skills. The network is set to become self-sustaining, such that the pilot Lead Schools are encouraged to share best practice and spread positive action around all North East communities.  Every Local Authority in the North East is represented in the Climate Change Lead Schools network.

Dr. Krista McKinzey, Climate Change Schools Project Officer, said: "It's crucial that our young people realize that the future is not set in stone - that we can do something positive about it.  It is these young ambassadors who will change the world and help make our planet a more sustainable one.  We want the North East to become the 'hub' for excellence in climate change teaching, learning and positive action, and to spread our work farther afield!"

Additionally, a recent book authored by 250 of the North East's climate change aware young people entitled Climate Change Schools Project was professionally published in June 2008.  The book includes a foreword by international author, renowned environmental campaigner and Chancellor of Durham University, Bill Bryson.  Copies can be ordered by visiting www.dur.ac.uk/about/publications/climate_change/


To find out more about the Climate Change Schools Project, please contact Dr. Krista McKinzey, Climate Change Schools Project Officer, Science Learning Centre North East