Could you be a Climate Action Teacher Champion?

Applications are open for the next set of teachers to join the Climate Action Teachers Champions (CATCh) programme, ahead of the autumn term.

The scheme supports schools to develop a climate plan, offering training and one-to-one mentoring for teachers as they look at setting climate goals for their school. It is run by Luton Council, along with Groundwork East and Youth Network. Zero Carbon Luton is supporting the scheme with resource pages for schools.

All schools, primary and secondary, are invited to nominate a climate action champion from the school staff who will develop the school’s climate action plan. The plan will look at curriculum, school buildings and grounds, food, waste, and opportunities for students to get involved.

“Taking part in the CATCH programme has been hugely beneficial to myself and the school,” said one participant, Cameron Davies from Denbigh Primary. “The programme offered a fantastic team of experts that enabled me to create an action plan that suited our environment, while drawing on their knowledge for advice and recommendations to advance the schools sustainability. I would highly recommend attending the course to create a more positive outlook on sustainability within your school.”

If you’re a teacher in the town and want to take part, here are some practical details: The programme runs over eight weeks, with a mixture of in-person and online workshops and one-to-one meetings in school. Sessions run for around two hours, on Wednesday afternoons. The first session will in in person on Wednesday October 4th.

You would be supporting in developing a draft school climate plan by the end of December 2023, with a £1,000 bursary for the school on completion.

The programme was piloted last term, and proved to be a rewarding experience for participants. There were opportunities to learn from other teachers as well as environmental professionals, with a vibrant exchange of ideas and enthusiasm for engaging students and bringing climate action into schools.

To register or to find out more, please email myclimate@luton.gov.uk