Nature and the environment should be a source of joy and wonder for young people, and can inspire an interest in learning.

Research shows even 10 minutes in nature has benefits for children’s mental health and focus yet children are getting increasingly worried about what they know about the climate and nature crisis.

The Hive is running a free 1- day climate literacy and action training course for Waltham Forest teachers to turn this anxiety into knowledge and action. Participants will gain a Carbon Literacy certification upon completion.

Waltham Forest maintained schools and academies are eligible to claim £100 towards the cost of supply teachers to enable staff to attend for a full day.

Current available dates are:

Tuesday 25 April, 9am – 4pm
Tuesday 16 May, 9am – 4pm - Click here to book for this date

It is designed for teachers that are going to take a lead on bringing climate and sustainability into the schools’ curriculum and/or teachers and support staff that lead an Eco-Committee or equivalent that are taking pro-active steps to increase the school’s sustainability.

It is recommended that two teachers attend from each school to build in sustainability and peer support.

The day will cover;

deepening understanding about the science of climate change
social justice, well-being and the climate emergency
linking climate and sustainability to subject curriculums
techniques for teaching outdoors
opportunities for schools to make a positive change
strategies for communicating about climate change to different audiences
starting a whole school Climate Action Plan

Teachers that attend are expected to share some of their training with the school staff team and will be provided resources to help do this.

The DfE Climate Education and Sustainability Strategy (launched April 22) includes a target of all schools/colleges having a sustainability lead trained in carbon literacy by 2025.

Waltham Forest council is ahead of the curve with the Schools and Colleges Climate Charter and delighted that there are so many schools in the borough keen to set a high standard in sustainability education and climate action.

Climate Confidence: teach for climate action in and outside the classroom