Inspiring and fun ways of teaching Reading pupils about climate change and the environment are featured in a new newsletter for schools published by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) and the Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP).
The Reading Schools Eco Newsletter includes offers of free teaching resources, help to make outdoor spaces greener, sustainable travel advice and membership of a schools’ climate action network.
The quarterly newsletter is also packed with local environment news, tips and advice for schools, pupils and students.
BFfC’s climate change lead practitioner works with RCCP on the publication which in this edition offers schools the chance to borrow renewable energy kits recently acquired by BFfC. The kits are a fun way of demonstrating to pupils how the sun’s energy is used to heat water and produce electricity and how wind energy is used to produce electricity.
Reading Climate Action Network (RCAN), which is run by RCCP, also offers free advice to schools on how they can make their outdoor spaces greener. And a Reading Schools Climate Action Network (RSCAN) has been created for primary and secondary school staff so they can link-up and share ideas.
The latest edition of the school’s eco newsletter also includes top tips for individuals and schools on topics ranging from energy saving to recycling, and from transport to water and waste.
Prof Dr Kate Reynolds, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “It is vital children learn about climate change and the environment at a young age and we want to help Reading schools teach these subjects in a way that excites and inspires pupils.
“The Reading Schools Eco Newsletter is a brilliant way of letting teachers know what support is on offer and arming them with lots of useful information and fun resources for lessons. It is also a great example of joined-up working with our friends at the Reading Climate Change Partnership.”
Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “The Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) and Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP) Eco Schools Newsletter is great resource for our schools, to support their work on environmental education and climate change.
“Climate change is one of the most significant challenges we face and these resources will help to inform, inspire, and empower young people to learn more and to make a positive difference for their futures.”