Archived press release

22 schools get ready to Shout About climate change

7 November 2007

While MPs spend this week gearing up to debate the Government's Climate Change Bill, 22 schools from Northern Ireland will be commencing a month of activities aimed at coming up with their own plans for saving the planet, to coincide with Friends of the Earth's 'Shout about climate solutions' week (5 - 9 Nov). The activity programme will give pupils a chance to put their own ideas for reducing the UK's carbon footprint down on paper by drafting an alternative Climate Change Law. Over 1,800 schools and youth projects from across the UK have signed up for the packs, which tackle the hottest issue facing this generation and explore how laws are made in a fun and engaging way [1].

Case studies [2]:

Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School

• Pupils will have the opportunity to calculate their carbon footprint using a website (climate challenge Government website) and then they are going to create a class charter of achievable steps all members of the class can take to combat climate change.  Each member of the class will sign the charter which lists the agreed action steps
• They will also be hosting a workshop run by Action Renewables at the end of the month to explore renewable energy options for N. Ireland through a decision making exercise.

St Catherine's College, Armagh

• Pupils will be planting trees for every class in year nine in conjunction with the Ulster Wildlife Trust
• Action Renewables will be visiting the school at the end of the month to talk about wind power.

Friends of the Earth's annual 'Shout about...' activity week [3] offers teachers and youth leaders a fun and engaging way of exploring environmental issues. The resource, designed for use with young people aged 11 to 13, contains easy to use information and is packed with lesson plans designed to bring the issues to life within the classroom. This year the activity pack will look at solutions to climate change and explore how laws are made by focusing on the Government's proposed new Climate Change Bill. It is linked to the National Curriculum in the areas of science, maths, English, geography, citizenship and beyond.

Vicki Felgate, Friends of the Earth's youth and education coordinator:

"This year 'Shout about' is providing a unique opportunity for teachers and young people to explore the hottest issue facing the world. The activity pack looks at the causes of climate change and the solutions, right through from individual solutions to the role of Government and the climate law. It's a great way for kids to learn about the democratic process and one of the most important issues facing their generation."

Notes

[1] (back) The Government's forthcoming Climate Change Bill will commit the UK to reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050. MPs will debate the Bill during November and December. Friends of the Earth is calling on MPs to insist that the Climate Change Bill sets annual targets to reduce emissions by 3 per cent every year and includes emissions from aviation, which are currently excluded.

[2] (back) For more information or to arrange interviews contact Friends of the Earth on 028 9089 7592

[3] (back) Friends of the Earths 'Shout about' schools programme is in its 4th year. Last year 1,800 schools and youth groups from across the country took part.

Check our website for more information or to register for the week of activity or the resource pack.

Schools signed up to take part in Northern Ireland include:

Hunterhouse College, Belfast - Contact Curriculum Coordinator
Corpus Christi College, Belfast - Contact Head of Citizenship
St Gemma's High School, Belfast - Contact Citizenship Teacher
Regent House School, Newtownards - Contact Head of Citizenship
Friend's School, Lisburn - Contact Vice Principal
St Mary's High School, Downpatrick - Contact Citizenship Coordinator
St Columcille's High School, Downpatrick
St Malachy's High School, Castlewellan - Contact Head of Geography
Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry - Contact Head of Geography
Newtonhamilton High School, Newry - Contact Head of Geography
Sperrin Intergrated College, Magherafelt - Contact Head of Geography
Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry - Contact Deputy Head
Orangefield High School, Belfast - Contact Head of Geography
Bloomfield Collegiate School, Belfast - Contact Teacher in Charge of Learning for Life
Loreto College, Coleraine - Contact Head of Geography
St Catherine's College, Armagh - Contact Head of Geography
Lurgan College, Craigavon - Contact Head of Learning for Life and Work
Dungannon Primary School - Contact Science Teacher who received Shout About pack
Fivemiletown High School - Contact Teacher who received Shout About pack
Victoria College, Belfast - Contact Head of Year 8
St Mary's High School, Enniskillen - Contact French Teacher with Shout About pack
Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar - Contact Head of Geography

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust