School’s eco work showcased in front of global audience

A teacher at Coychurch Primary School has taken part in the Office for Climate Education’s first ever “Teachers COP” event, presenting to a global audience on the eco-work of the school.

Melanie Treadwell was one of only three UK-based teachers chosen to make a presentation on leading the way in Climate Education at the event, and the only primary school teacher to do so.

The event in Glasgow, which preceded the COP26 climate change conference, involved teachers from around the world and provided an opportunity to vote on adopting a statement with concrete propositions to improve climate change education. Built with contributions from teachers from every continent, the statement is being presented to policy makers and education stakeholders at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

Following the event, Mrs Treadwell said: “I hope that presenting globally to teachers inspires other schools from around the world to make changes.

“I want our children to be ethically informed citizens and have an understanding of climate change and creating a sustainable future for themselves, their communities and beyond.

“The ethos of the school is vital and, working alongside other outside agencies, we will continue to reflect and strive to make a positive, achievable difference.”

In addition to receiving the Eco Platinum Award, Coychurch Primary became an NQA Healthy School in July 2019 and was the first school in Wales to achieve the Sustrans Gold School Mark.

The school’s eco work was praised by attendees at the event and the school has now been invited to trial new climate change resources for the Office of Climate Education.

Sue Hurry, headteacher at Coychurch Primary, said: “To have been afforded the opportunity to share our school’s eco work with educators across the world has been a wonderful experience for our primary school.

“This has only been possible because of the enthusiasm and dedication of Mrs Treadwell, our eco co-ordinator, and the diligent efforts of all our staff, pupils and parents.

“A strong working partnership has been key to educating and informing our school community about environmental issues. We are proud to have been able to play our small part in combatting climate change as a healthy planet is essential to future generations.”

The Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, Cllr Charles Smith, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for both Mrs Treadwell and Coychurch Primary School and one they can be extremely proud of.

“Coychurch Primary School has done some truly outstanding work in recent years to improve climate education and has rightly been praised and recognised for their dedication to protecting our planet.”