Eco anxiety is rife among school age young people. Many of them are troubled about the state of the planet but feeling powerless to do anything about it. Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School wanted to turn this around with our help, by providing Carbon Literacy training for its sixth formers.
How sixth formers feel
A study published in 2022, by researchers collaborating under the banner Climate Cares found that concern about climate change was causing distress among young people in education and beyond, even in the midst of a global pandemic. 52% of 16-24 year-olds said they were worried about lack of action on climate change. This compared to just 37% being worried about the future impact of Covid-19. They expressed emotions including anger, disgust, guilt and shame.
Carbon Literacy in Education settings is a ideal way to address the challenge. This aligns with the British Medical Journal (BMJ) article by Mala Rao and Richard Powell from Imperial College London, who said: “The best chance of increasing optimism and hope in the eco-anxious young and old is to ensure they have access to the best and most reliable information on climate mitigation and adaptation. Especially important is information on how they could connect more strongly with nature, contribute to greener choices at an individual level, and join forces with like-minded communities and groups.”
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School’s story
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (SHFGS) is a mixed grammar school and sixth form with academy status in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. As part of its efforts to improve its impact on the environment, the school worked with us to provide Carbon Literacy training for its sixth form.
While the school did not have specific net zero targets yet, it was in the process of developing a five-year strategy incorporating the following goals:
- Embedding sustainable practices in day-to-day student and staff behaviours
- Measuring carbon emissions
- Maximising recycling and reducing waste, especially paper
- Achieving an Eco-Schools Gold Award
- Working to increase the proportion of renewable energy in its power supply
- New building and state-of-the-art classrooms, maximising the potential of the school site and Insignis Academy Trust (IAT) facilities
- Maximising green space
The challenge Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School faced
The school’s Eco Lead, geography teacher Zoe Dixon, was keen to address the sense of hopelessness many young people are feeling about the climate crisis. Zoe was also conscious of the school’s need to meet the requirements of the Department for Education’s sustainability and climate change strategy.
Many of SHFGS’s sixth form students already had a general understanding of the climate crisis and the importance of low carbon behaviours. However Zoe believed Carbon Literacy training would enhance their awareness. Her intention was to instil in them a greater sense of agency; encouraging them to support environmental initiatives within the school and increasing their impact.
Why Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School chose Speak Carbon
Zoe knew Carbon Literacy Trainer Joey Coombs from their time working together on the sustainability team at Buckinghamshire Council. So that made Joey the obvious first point of contact.
Joey is a member of the Speak Carbon Collective, so suggested working together with us.
“It was natural to come to Speak Carbon,” she explained. “We are keen to promote Carbon Literacy in schools and this would be a great pilot opportunity.
I’m part of the Education Circle within Speak Carbon. We meet once every month to discuss any ongoing projects, prospects and funding opportunities in the sector. We have valuable, varied experience on the team. That’s a real benefit when it comes to understanding education and how Carbon Literacy can fit into the curriculum.”
How Speak Carbon responded
Joey Coombs worked with Speak Carbon colleague Pete Watkins, to develop and deliver the training.
Joey told us: “Young people are floundering at the moment. They know a lot more than most adults about the dangers of climate change, but feel they have no agency, no control over their future. Introducing Carbon Literacy to sixth formers gives them the opportunity to voice concerns. They get space and time to work out answers and confidence to talk to others about a low carbon future. Developing pledges helps to give them a sense of control, giving them hope.”
The Carbon Literacy Project
The training was delivered to 34 Year 12 students over two three-hour sessions, using a hybrid approach. Pete appeared on a large screen by live video link and Joey co-facilitated in the classroom with the aid of Zoe.
One of the students commented: “I learnt loads and really enjoyed the games and discussion groups. The time went by really quickly!”
Afterwards, project lead Joey said, “I was blown away by the level of engagement from the students. The Carbon Literacy activities, discussion groups and information were all embraced 100% and resulted in some excellent pledges.
“I believe Carbon Literacy has the potential to play a vital role in ensuring school aged young people are equipped and empowered in every way to work towards a zero carbon world.”
The results
The students who took the training now have renewed motivation to put low carbon behaviour into practice. That means they have confidence to encourage behaviour change among their peers, families and the wider community.
“Empowering our sixth form students with Carbon Literacy training has equipped them to influence change and take individual and collective action,” said Zoe Dixon. “Our students now have the confidence to lead [climate] action and drive change, with recent events to tackle fast fashion and choosing climate friendly canteen options. Some even delivered an assembly at another school to share their knowledge with younger students.
“Everyone has enjoyed working with Speak Carbon, whose trainers clearly understand the needs of our students. It helped that they adapted their course materials to make them age appropriate. Thank you Joey Coombs and Pete Watkins!”
Our Education Circle are now investigating the possibility of running this Carbon Literacy course with affiliated schools in the area. Both Joey and Pete attended the Teaching Citizen Conference in London in June 2023, to promote Carbon Literacy for schools.
Carbon Literacy in your school
Get in touch if you would like to help your students gain a clearer understanding of climate change issues and what actions they can take.