A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
St Peter’s Primary School was represented at the Westminster Education Forum’s online conference, “Next steps for climate change and sustainability education in England,” on 30th April.
The invitation followed the school receiving an Eco Schools Green Flag award with distinction for 2024/25.
Mrs Williams, a Year 5/6 teacher and St Peter’s geography and climate education lead, joined policymakers, education leaders and sector experts to discuss how climate and sustainability education can be strengthened within the national curriculum.
During the event, Mrs Williams shared examples of how St Peter’s and the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust are embedding climate education across the primary curriculum to encourage pupil understanding, engagement and action.
Discussions focused on the importance of a whole-school approach to sustainability, building knowledge over time through carefully sequenced lessons and encouraging children to understand and protect the world around them.
The conference also explored how schools across England can access high-quality climate education more consistently.
Reflecting on the experience, Mrs Williams said:
“Speaking at the conference was both a privilege and a valuable opportunity to share the learning already happening in our classrooms, while contributing to an important national conversation.
"There is a real sense that current curriculum changes offer an exciting opportunity to ensure all children develop the knowledge, skills and motivation to live more sustainably and better understand the challenges facing our planet."
She added:
"We have been able to implement climate education so successfully at St Peter's due to our amazing staff team who have really embraced this area of the curriculum and delivered exciting and engaging lessons to our children.
"Above all, the aim is to share good practice, collaborate and ensure that every child feels empowered to understand the world around them and how to protect it.”
St Peter’s says climate education remains firmly rooted in classroom learning, with pupils encouraged to ask questions, think critically and understand the positive impact they can make.
The school hopes its approach will help children feel informed, empowered and hopeful about creating a more sustainable future.
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