KES Environmental Action Group take part in Transition Bath - Big Event
Pupil, and member of King Edward’s Environmental Action Group, Tom Youngman will be one of the speakers at the forthcoming Transition Bath - Big Event taking place on Saturday 14th November at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) in Queens Square, Bath.
The Transition Bath - Big Event includes a number of renowned speakers who will be discussing the big picture of climate change and peak oil alongside local people who will show what is already happening in Bath and share constructive ways of taking action to reduce our personal and community carbon footprint, while improving our quality of life.
Tom Youngman will be speaking about what King Edward’s School has achieved so far and further environmental initiatives planned for the future.
If you are interested in going along to the event and would like to find out more please follow this link
Environmental Action Group website
To link to the Environmental Action Group website please click here.
Climate Change Conference 2009
King Edward's pupils joined over one hundred and eighty young people from schools across Bath and North Somerset to take part in a two-day conference on combating climate change, organised by Resource Futures at the University of Bath.
Pupils attending the B&NES Young People's Climate Change Conference heard presentations by local and national organisations, including Comic Relief, WaterAid, Send a Cow, Sustainable Frome and Wessex Water on climate change issues and new green technology as well as taking part in workshops on renewable energy, food for the future and carbon footprints.
Pupils were asked to give a team presentation on their thoughts on how the world should respond to climate change themed ‘2020 Vision'.
Jane Talbot, Education Manager, from Resource Futures said: “The conference was an opportunity for young people to come together to talk about the crucial issues of climate change, find out how it affects people across the world and share and develop ideas on what they can do about it."
“At the end of the two days they will be ready to take back ideas for positive action to their home, school and community.”
Jill Chapman, King Edward's Environmental Action Group and Eco Schools co-ordinator said: “The conference surpassed our expectations in many ways. Over the two days we were able to access a wide variety of workshops and attend a number of brilliant presentations including Energy, Water Aid, WSPA (World Society for Protection of Animals) and “Winning the climate change argument in 3 minutes!“
“We also learned more about Renewable Energy Sources, Marks and Spencer's efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, OXFAM's charity work for women and girls in developing countries and new technologies which will help us to harness the power of the sea and sun to help combat our reliance on fast-diminishing fossil fuels.”
“Even those among our number who are very well informed on environmental topics all learned something new. We also came away feeling inspired by all that other groups and individuals and local schools are doing to reduce their carbon footprint.”
For further information on King Edward's Eco Schools initiative or to become a member of King Edward's Environmental Action Group contact Mrs Chapman.
Environmental Action Group
The Environmental Action Group is a lunchtime society dedicated to making the school and local community ever ‘greener’. Their focus is to improve the local environment within the School community whilst bearing in mind major world issues.
Pupils discuss the bigger environmental issues such as climate change and deforestation, sometimes writing to MPs when members feel strongly about an issue, or take part in awareness raising campaigns such as Walk for Wildlife or run events within School such as a Recycled Fashion Show. The group have adopted endangers species, planted an orchard, build hedgehog ‘houses’, maintain wildlife areas around the School site and a whole host of other activities. The group also organises trips, including an annual weekend to
Environmental Action Group was also instrumental in King Edward’s joining Eco Schools in 2006. Eco Schools is a nationally recognised initiative that encourages schools to work towards greater sustainability.
If you are interested in joining or would like further information please see Mrs Chapman.
Environmental Action Group work on School Orchard
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The Year has started well for pushing environmental initiatives forward;
Plastic cups, which couldn't be recycled, have been replaced by re-useable mugs in the Senior School staff rooms.
The Catering Department is looking at an improved recycling scheme for plastic bottles.
Representatives from EAG are working as part of the Travel Action Group to develop 'green' travel initiatives.
EAG have contacted Bath schools to suggest schools form a Green Schools Alliance; a forum where pupils can meet, discuss environmental school initiatives, share ideas and advice and support one another.
Inspired by community gardening initiatives that are taking off throughout the country, EAG intend to create an organic community herb bed alongside the School Orchard. Not only will the herbs attract wildlife but the School community will be welcome to take a sprig of herbs if they wish in the spirit of community gardening. In other parts of the country public herb, fruit and vegetable beds have encouraged a sense of community and encouraged people to grow more themselves.