WILD SCHOOLS
Climate Action Programme

Our Wild Schools environmental education programme is available to schools wanting to learn about climate change and sustainability. Young people are inheriting a world that is going through extreme changes and we believe educating young people about climate change is essential in creating a better future. The Climate Crisis is happening and it’s important we act now. We aim to inspire young people to make a positive difference to the world around them, by making small achievable changes in their daily life. They will also undertake projects that they choose themselves, so they feel empowered by directly making an impact.

WHAT WE DO

We use a collection of interactive presentations and informative workshops to engage with young people. From these they can learn about the causes of climate change and come up with sustainable solutions to reduce their own environmental footprints. Together we discover the importance of nature to create a lasting connection with the environment and a desire to protect it.

We discuss the effects of climate change and how everything is interconnected so small local changes can have global effects. We focus on environmental heroes and success stories to show that we all are able to make a difference rather than being debilitated by climate anxiety.

By completing environmental projects, that the young people have chosen themselves, they gain skills and confidence that we hope they will be able to use throughout their lives to help the planet.

HOW WE DO IT

We deliver our outreach programme in person at your school over 4 weeks. Each session lasts 1.5 hours, with one session each week, so that previous topics are still fresh in students minds.

The workshops are tailored for pupils in year 5 and 6 as this is when climate change knowledge can make the most impact. For the fourth presentation, children will undertake their own youth led action project, guided by our Education team.

We want to involve all students with the programme and aim to accommodate all learners if we are made aware of any additional needs in advance of starting the programme.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think your school could benefit from the programme and would like further information.

INSPIRE

EMPOWER

INFLUENCE

Through January and into February, we partnered with Chelmsford Star Co-op  to deliver a four week Wild Schools programme at Writtle Junior School, leading a series of interactive presentations about the natural world, climate change, and sustainability.

The funding from Chelmsford Star Co-Op has enabled us to work with a number of classes. The young people in this programme had visited the charity’s Chatham Green Project two years previously, where the focus of the educational activities was on connecting children with nature through immersive Learning Outside The Classroom accredited education activities. It was particularly encouraging to see that this learning had been embedded and that the children had retained their connection with nature.

Tony Price, President of Chelmsford Star Co-op
“We have worked with Writtle Junior school many times over the years so we were particularly pleased to find out that the funding we gave the Wilderness Foundation would be used to support the students on their latest projects. Working with nature instead of against it is so important, and sustainability is something we’re particularly passionate about. It’s essential that the decision makers of tomorrow are fully educated in this area.”

Miss Jeffree & Mrs Wade, Writtle Year 5 Teachers
“Year 5 children at Writtle learn about interdependence in nature – how all species, including humans, rely on each other to survive. We are really grateful to the local Co-op and the Wilderness Foundation for helping us to set up a local project aiming to bring the community together to help the hedgehogs in our village to thrive!”

Terri Dawson, on delivering the programme:
“I am thrilled to be back working with Writtle Juniors delivering our Wild Schools programme. The classes have shown such a strong connection and appreciation of the natural world. For me coming back to meet a class after they have been to us at Wilderness HQ is just a dream. Talking to these young people about why it is important that we take care of nature, what is going on with our climate and what we can all do to make a difference is so powerful. Working with children whom already have such a passion for nature, that are concerned about the future of the planet gives me confidence that we have the capability, the willingness and the right attitude to make positive changes for the future.”

We are seeking Wild Schools Funding to deliver this work in more schools. If you are interested in supporting this programme, please email terri@wildnernessfoundation.org.uk

“Thank you for the sessions. The children have been very inspired by all the talk of ponds and bug hotels and hedgehog holes, and have also loved talking about the bigger picture threats to the planet. It’s been great seeing your smiley faces every week. Really hope we can do this again next year!”

– Writtle Juniors school


For more information and to book a visit contact our Education Team at education@wildernessfoundation.org.uk

In advance of your visit we will supply you with a copies of our Risk Assessments for your chosen activities. All bookings are subject to availability.
Full terms and conditions are detailed on our booking form, which will be supplied to you on receipt of your enquiry.