Environmental change and sustainable development

Geography

Primary

How one primary school proves its commitment to green issues

St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary demonstrates its innovative measures in looking after the environment. The school embeds the environment and sustainability into its curriculum, by introducing "eco-doorways" or themes for each year, such as "waster, water and energy". The school's green policies are supported by a pupil eco-group and a governor with specific responsibility for sustainability. The learning culminates in green summits, where pupils share their knowledge and views, as well as creating a musical on saving the rainforest. The school is insulated with recycled material and pupils and teachers tend vegetables patches all in a bid to help save the planet.

Green Throughout the Year

Using local surroundings to enhance primary geography

This programme looks at how using the local environment can enhance geographical learning at Key Stage 2. We follow teacher Sam Jones as he delivers the KS2 topic, "Investigating the Local Environment", to his class at St. Leonard's Primary School in Exeter. Sam's approach is to ask his pupils to test the hypothesis that environmental quality is better near the school than by the local river. The topic, which can be taught across a day and a half or over a couple of weeks, includes a field trip to survey local streets. Geographical understanding is developed through numeracy as pupils learn to measure distance to scale and use a scattergraph to reach their conclusions. The lesson is evaluated by Devon Curriculum Services Geography Advisor, David Weatherly and Natalie Toulson from St. Michael's Church of England Primary School in Exeter.

KS1/2 Geography - Investigating the Local Environment

Make KS2 science fun with day trips to well-known destinations

Teacher and local education authority adviser Mary Muggridge presents four day-trip ideas that help to make science and maths fun for Key Stage 2 pupils. Fantastic locations can spark the imaginations of primary pupils and show them that learning can be fun. For example, the Eden Project gives pupils the chance to find out about the geography and science of tropics and the desert. Another idea is The Blue John Cavern, an adventurous underground trip where KS2 pupils can see stalagmites, underground river routes and learn about mining. Mary's third lesson idea is an outing to Spitalfields City Farm, where pupils can get up close with animals and farming. Finally, a whole-class trip to The National Arboretum provides a stunning background for discovering the maths behind trees, and Mary plans out a numeracy trail.

Primary Environment

Three resources to help teach primary pupils about green issues

In this episode we highlight three resources to help teach green issues to primary pupils. Expert Kim Jackson, environmental education officer for Brighton and Hove, recommends: <ul> <li>Global Garden - an environmental book for children</li> <li>Compost Crusaders from Circus Take-Away - a theatre troupe that teaches pupils the importance of recycling </li> <li>Super Kids - a book designed to inspire children about global matters</li> </ul> Kim joins presenter Hermione Cockburn in the studio, along with panellists Dr Maggie Smith, lecturer in education for the Open University and chair of the Geographical Association's Environmental and Sustainable Development Education Working Group, and educational consultant Adrienne Jones.

Primary Green Resources

Pupils investigate sustainable transport in a special project

Soho Parish School tackles a whole school project on sustainable transport, taking two weeks off timetable in order to investigate the subject. Using a scheme of work written by consultant Helen Savva and adapted by teachers at the school, the project has been planned carefully and involves every class. Year 2 investigate what's needed to construct a go-kart and Year 3 have a visit from the penny farthing man who talks about the history of the bicycle and treats some of them to a ride. Meanwhile, Year 6 compile Powerpoint presentations which show sustainable transport solutions for the 2012 Olympic Games and Year 5 research sustainable transport throughout the world. Parents are invited in to see the children's work and watch their presentations. Headteacher Rachel Earnshaw comments on the project's effectiveness and the challenges faced throughout.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

Subjects

> Primary Geography

> Environmental change and sustainable development

Green Throughout the Year

KS1/2 Geography - Investigating the Local Environment

Primary Environment

Primary Green Resources

Primary Sustainability - Every Journey Matters