We are pleased to share details of an upcoming workshop from our colleagues at BIFoR (Birmingham Institute of Forest Research) and the University of Birmingham’s School of Biosciences. This event is designed especially for primary educators who are interested in sustainability and climate change education.
Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Location: Old Gym, University of Birmingham
Who it is for: Primary teachers and educators working with key stages 1 and 2
Registration deadline: Friday 13 June 2025
Register your interest here. Places are free but limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
About the Workshop
In response to the Department for Education’s 2023 policy paper on Climate Change and Sustainability, this workshop supports educators in exploring the role of plants, photosynthesis and carbon cycles within climate change discussions, despite these topics currently having limited coverage in the key stage 1 and 2 science curriculum.
There is increasing encouragement for all schools to have a Sustainability Lead and to develop a Climate Action Plan. However, the absence of photosynthesis and carbon dioxide in the curriculum can make it difficult to present a full picture of the carbon cycle and the rationale for climate change mitigation strategies.
This free, one-day workshop provides an opportunity to:
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Explore how sustainability and climate education can be integrated across subjects
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Examine how schools are embedding climate action into planning and culture
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Share examples of effective practice
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Discuss age-appropriate ways to introduce key scientific ideas
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Network with others who are passionate about environmental education
Workshop Agenda
09:30 – 10:00 | Arrival and refreshments
10:00 – 10:30 | Session 1 – Keynote lectures: DfE policy, curriculum insights and climate action planning
10:30 – 11:00 | Session 2 – Curriculum and Climate Action Plan Mapping: Practical workshop
11:00 – 11:20 | Break
11:20 – 11:30 | Reflection
11:30 – 12:30 | Session 3 – Good Practice Showcase: Carousel of classroom-ready ideas
12:30 – 13:00 | Lunch
13:00 – 14:00 | Session 4 – Cross-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Approaches: Short talks from practitioners
14:00 – 14:15 | Break
14:15 – 15:00 | Session 5 – Panel Discussion: Next steps and action planning
Can You Contribute?
If you have developed sustainability projects or activities with your pupils, the organisers would welcome your contribution to Session 3. You can indicate your interest in sharing good practice when completing the registration form.
Why Attend?
This is a valuable opportunity to explore practical and creative ways to incorporate sustainability into the curriculum. Whether you are just beginning to explore this area or are further along in your school’s climate action planning, the day offers inspiration, insight and support from a community of like-minded educators.
Please do share this opportunity with primary colleagues or contacts in your network who are working in this area.
If you would like us to feature a write-up or follow-up from this event in the STEM Community, let us know. We are always keen to amplify the excellent work taking place in schools.
#ClimateEducation #PrimarySTEM #Sustainability #TeacherCPD