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24th October 2011
The
Climate Week Challenge is the biggest environmental competition in the
UK. In 2011 over 145,000 people around the country registered to take
part. The Climate Week Challenge takes place on the first day of Climate
Week, and it will involve thousands of people from schools, colleges,
universities and organisations all over the country simultaneously tackling
the same task on the same day.
The exact Challenge is kept as a secret until 9am on Monday 12 March 2012, when it will be revealed online and the one-day competition begins! It is designed for teams of four to six. Any school or organisation can enter any number of teams, for FREE! No preparation is required. All that a team needs to participate is a table at which to work. It is a powerful way of developing creativity, teamwork, environmental knowledge, problem-solving and communications skills.
To find out more about getting involved in Climate Week go to www.climateweek.com, email info@climateweek.com or telephone on 020 3397 2601.
27th September 2011
The Food for Life Partnership provides a range of training opportunities for school, catering staff and individuals to support the delivery of food education to pupils, staff and the wider community.
These sessions provide the knowledge and skills required to progress through the Food for Life Partnership award criteria. CPD delivered by Garden Organic in the Autumn Term 2011 (North East dates). THESE ARE THE LAST OF THE FREE COURSES.
1 Nov - From Plot to Pot - planning what to grow: Broom House Farm, Durham
10 Nov - From Plot to Pot - growing and eating through the ages: Ryedale Folk Museum, North Yorkshire
17 Nov - From Plot to Pot - growing and eating from the land: Rising Sun Farm, Newcastle Upon Tyne
24 Nov - Seed Saving in Schools: Saving Seeds for the Future: York Environment Centre, York
For more information and to make a booking, please email: fflp@gardenorganic.org.uk or call: 02476 217747
14th September 2011
The National Sustainable Schools Conferences are taking bookings.
The two conferences are at London Zoo (21st October) and De Montfort University, Leicester (30th November)
To find out more and to book please click here
6th September 2011
Follow the link to a great little article and photos in The Guardian of a schools experience of keeping bees in school. I know a number of schools in the region have also got hives. More in the region would be great.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/mortarboard/2011/aug/30/beekeeping-in-schools?intcmp=239
5th September 2011
O'Brien Waste Management in Wallsend is coordinating a schools recycling logo competition to promote a new waste facility that is soon to open for school visits. Click here to find out how to enter. They are happy to take entries from across the region. Closing date is 4th October.
3rd August 2011
The Department for Education has coordinated a school to school visit programme for Sustainable Schools. Visit the website for more information.
20th June 2011
Some positive news for Sustainable Schools and sustainability learning in general from the Defra White Paper. The full document can be read here, or the education section only here.
17th June 2011
Come along to a FREE networking event at the Discovery Museum on Friday 15th July from 9 am to 3:30 pm, have lunch on us and meet like-minded schools leading on climate change in the North East of England! Places are limited, so don't miss out - book your place by 29th June! *******************************************
The Climate Change Schools Project, winner of National Climate Week's inaugural 'Best Educational Initiative', is hosting in partnership with ClimateNE, an end of year celebration on Friday 15th July, 2011 from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Entry is FREE- however, those who book a place and do not turn up on the day will be charged £50 to cover the cost of allocated places. We recognise that your Headteacher may not have time to spend the entire day with us, so if at all possible, their attendance for lunch and staying on for afternoon activities would be warmly welcomed. To book your place - please email Harriet Thew at harriet.thew@durham.ac.uk no later than this Weds, 29th June. Places are limited, so don't miss out! For more information visit: www.climatechangeschools.org.uk
10th May 2011
From Monday 9th May until Friday 8th July, schools in North East England will have the opportunity to join the award-winning Climate Change Schools Project as a 'Climate Change Lead School' for 2011-2012.
The Climate Change Schools Project (CCSP), winners of National Climate Week's inaugural 'Best Educational Initiative', offers wide ranging and tailored support in order to help schools: (1) embed climate change throughout the national curriculum; (2) and become 'beacons' of positive climate change action in their local communities.
Full details of how your school can become a Lead School can be downloaded from here
6th May 2011
SEEd have announced the details for this years national Sustainable Schools Conferences.
Aldershot 9 June, Bricks and Bread Sustainable Living Centre - lots of demonstrations
London 13 June, ZSL London Zoo Education Centre - includes visit to Zoo!
Manchester 30 June, MERCi Manchester Environmental Resource Centre initiative - a whole sustainable building
Northampton 5 July, Learning and Discovery Centre, Delapre Learning Centre - a new community getting started
Costs: Events, £150 early bird (up to May 27th), £175 thereafter (reduced rates for SEEd members and multiple attendances from a school); online conference only - £75
Spaces are limited so confirm your place now by signing up online at: http://www.se-ed.co.uk/NSSC2011
5th April 2011
New resource for SEN and SEBD Teachers- from 'Growing Schools' for KS3 and 4.
There is proven value to pupils in developing learning opportunities using school gardens and grounds. However many teachers lack the confidence to make a start, and would like advice on where these activities might link to the curriculum and to assessment. This new resource has been prepared by a skilled group of teachers in North East England especially to help teachers working with young people with special educational needs, including emotional and behavioural needs. The authors have produced lesson plans and resources related to the themes of Polytunnel and Garden, Woodland and Forest, and Beekeeping. The project was co-ordinated on behalf of 'Growing Schools' by staff from County Durham's Outdoor and Sustainability Education Service, part of the Education Development Service in County Durham. The resource is available on-line by following the following link: http://www.growingschools.org.uk/Resources/GardensandWoodlands/
A CD Rom version of the resource will soon be available by post:- To obtain a copy please contact david.etheridge@durhamlearning.net with your name and postal address.
21st February 2011
The NEIEP Schools Against Waste Project has produced its latest newsletter. It clearly explains how schools can register online to use the online tool. A new Energy and Water section is being beta tested at the moment to be launched by Easter.
10th January 2011
The 2010 Eco-Schools Conference, 'Greener Schools, Stronger Communities' will explore how young people can contribute to the creation of a sustainable society, while enriching their own experiences and educational outcomes.
Topics covered will include the role of the Eco-Schools programme, the carbon reduction commitment and practical advice for making your school and community more sustainable.
The conference will be held at the Holte Suite at Aston Villa Football Club on 8th February and will offer a valuable resource to teachers, school business managers and education advisors. A full agenda and exhibitors list will be available shortly. For more information please click here
21st December 2010
National Growing Schools Conference 'From the ground up'
Wednesday 23rd March 2011 Ryton Gardens, nr Coventry
Workshops will take full advantage of the on-site expertise and facilities, and are likely to include Edible container gardens, Composting (basic and advanced!), Running an apple day and Organic pest and disease control. We are also very pleased to have secured Tim Lang, Professor of Food Policy at City University, to give the keynote speech. He has particular expertise in food safety, sustainable food production, the globalisation of food, and obesity, and he always has something interesting and challenging to say. The conference costs £100 per delegate, to include lunch and refreshments. Places are strictly limited, and early birds get a significant discount. Book before January 31st and save £20 per person. Download the booking form.
For more information contact: Gary Richardson by email:gary-richardson@countrysidefoundation.org.uk or phone: 07711 069092
23rd November 2010
Statement from Janice Lawson at Dept for Education:
The Government is fully committed to sustainable development and the importance of preparing young people for the future. Our approach to reform is based on the belief that schools perform better when they take responsibility for their own improvement. We want schools to make their own judgements on how sustainable development should be reflected in their ethos, day to day operations and through education for sustainable development. Those judgements should be based on sound knowledge and local needs. The good practice materials that underpin the national framework for sustainable schools are available through the department's website.
19th November 2010
Further to the news item below the Sustainable Schools Alliance has released details of consultation events. The online consultation will be available from 10th December.
9th November 2010
NESPSS attended a meeting in London last week to discuss the posposals the proposal for a new Sustainable Schools Alliance. This proposal being initially led by SEEd, the Development Education Association (DEA) and National Children's Bureau (NCB) has the support of the Department for Education and looks promising. More details to follow as they emerge.
27th October 2010
NESPSS has produced a short document highlighting its achievements over the past few years and its plans for the future. Click here to download it. Please share it through your own networks.
26th October 2010
NESPSS wrote to Michael Gove Secretary of State for Education following news of the decision to end funding for Sustainable Schools support across England. We received a response from Nick Gibb, Minister of State for Schools. Click here to read it.
19th October 2010
SEEd Facilitation for Learning for Sustainability Course January to March 2011
This course brings together facilitation techniques with learning theory, action learning and practice Sustainability is the opportunity for us to live and work differently to develop solutions to present and future problems as a community. The programme consists of four facilitated training days and a supported action learning project. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at different techniques while being guided by Ann Finlayson, an experience facilitator and educator. Whatever your level of experience, this course will develop your skills and improve your professional practice. To find out more on the course content, see the attached flyer.
Dates Days one & two - Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th January 2011 Days three and four - Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th March 2011 Location St Ethelburga's Centre, London
Cost Book before 17th December 2010 for the special early bird rate of £600! Cost includes all four facilitated training days with lunch and resources, and online support during the action learning stage. The standard cost is £650. SEEd members receive a 10% discount Booking To book a place email facilitation@se-ed.org.uk or complete the online booking form at http://www.se-ed.org.uk/events/facilitation-for-sustainability.html
11th October 2010
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Eco-Schools programme they are launching a new award. A Green Flag Ambassador Eco-School is a flagship of the Eco-Schools programme that has developed an understanding of all nine topics and ensured sustainability is embedded into the curriculum. The Eco-School has strived to successfully deliver change in the culture of the school. Ambassador Eco-Schools will be able to demonstrate successful pupil and community interaction and are willing to support and share information and advice with other schools.Apply through the Eco-Schools website
15th September 2010
You may wish to download guidance produced by Ofsted in the summer, 'To sustainability and beyond' highlights Ofsted progress with regard to sustainable development. Download here
23rd July 2010
The Future of Sustainable Schools
We received an e-mail from Janice Lawson, Head of the Sustainable Development Unit at the Department for Education indicating that unfortunately the Secretary of State's office does not want a Sustainable Schools Strategy in the future. What that means is not exactly clear but it is not exactly surprising.
However this should NOT be seen as a major setback. We have developed and established a fantastic range of partnerships in this region and built a great momentum which will not easily be stopped. The NESPSS Board wish to continue supporting partners to support schools on this hugely important area of work which acts as a binding principle for so many areas of school improvement. Discussions are already being had at a national level to discuss how this area of work can be taken forward so please do not see this as an end but a start of something new.
21st June 2010
'Engaging with Nature - Wild about Plants' course by Plantlife International and the John Muir Award is running in September. It will be a fantastic opportunity to take part in a range of activities that can be used with young people. The course will help you adapt and expand these ideas to meet the needs of your groups. The course is free to attend.
Engaging with Nature - Wild about Plants Wednesday 1st September Foxglove Covert, Catterick Garrison, Yorkshire
Explore barriers and challenges to getting young people involved in local natural places, share inspiring activities, and find out how Plantlife resources can relate to you and your groups. This day is aimed at upper Primary teachers and youth and community education workers but will be of interest to others. 'Wild about plants' is a Plantlife project that aims to engage more people with their local natural places and the wild plants that grow there. www.wildaboutplants.org.uk To book a place please contact Cristie Moore; info@johnmuiraward.org or on 0845 458 2910.
18th May 2010
A new UK Government took office on 11 May so until new Government policy is agreed the Regional Coordinator role with Government Office North East is on hold. The site will be updated with further news etc but no events/meetings etc will take place that were coordinated by NESPSS.
12th May 2010
One World Network are delivering a training session on developing a global dimension to SEAL (social,emotional aspects of learning) on Wed 23rd June. Click on links for flyer and booking form
4th May 2010
TDA have produced a new report highlighting how extended services can enhance sustainable development activity in schools.
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'Schools should [still] regard sustainable development as critically important in preparing children and young people for the future' Nick Gibb MP - Minister of State for Schools October 2010
Sustainable Schools Information on DfE website
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