The Climate Change Schools Project is an exciting new initiative being piloted in the North East between 2007 - 2009 as a partnership between Science Learning Centre North East & Durham University, the Environment Agency & the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee, SustaiNE, One World Network North East, the North East Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Schools and ANEC (Association of North East Councils). The purpose of the Project is to raise awareness and understanding of climate change science and associated issues (e.g. mitigation and adaptation), as well as to promote positive action, to North East children in Key Stages 2 and 3 through interactive and dynamic classroom teaching. Additionally, direct climate change teaching support and professional development opportunities for teachers in Key Stages 2 and 3 will be offered through the Climate Change Schools Project. This is a ground-breaking initiative that will effectively become the model for other regions around the country to follow.

More specifically, the Climate Change Schools Project aims to develop a quality assessed, curriculum-linked ‘standardised package’ of Climate Change resources/enhancement activities and teacher professional development opportunities that are equally accessible for all schools across all North East Local Authorities in order to:

• embed Climate Change science and associated issues directly into the Key Stage 2 & Key Stage 3 curriculum;
• develop a network of key ‘Climate Change Lead Schools’ across the North East that includes engaged, informed and confident teachers and students;
• establish a working model for the North East that can be adapted and rolled-out to other regional centres in England.

The Climate Change Schools Project has also been supported by other organisations like DEFRA, STEMNET (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network), Science City, Northumberland Strategic Partnership and Northumberland County Council, to share expertise and best practice to help directly implement the aims of the Project and establish the North East network of ‘Climate Change Lead Schools.’

We are looking for enthusiastic and inspiring teachers, schools and children to get involved with the Climate Change Schools Project . If you’d like to work with us, or if you just want to learn more about the exciting opportunities ahead, please contact:

Dr. Krista McKinzey
Climate Change Schools Project Officer
Science Learning Centre North East
Telephone: 0191 370 6205
Email: krista.mckinzey@durham.ac.uk

Or download the Climate Change Schools Project brochure.

Climate Change Lead Schools Website

2009-2010 Climate Change Lead Schools
'Expression of Interest' Form