Ten-point plan to deliver climate education unveiled by experts

Capitalising on greater climate and nature education in the national curriculum will need a detailed programme of support to make the changes a reality, according to a new report published today. 

The report, produced following discussions with more than 40 professional bodies and teaching organisations, including Teach the Future, sets out ten priority areas for improving climate education following the government's Curriculum and Assessment Review. 

The experts argue that while the curriculum review is a welcome step, real change will require coordinated support across the whole education system. It also urges every school to meet government policy ambitions to appoint a dedicated Sustainability Lead, and for Ofsted to incorporate schools' sustainability actions into their inspection framework. 

READ THE REPORT

"Young people worked hard to influence the Curriculum and Assessment Review, and we now want to see the full implementation of the recommendations, as well as further integration of climate change and sustainability education into other subjects. Young people can't tackle a problem without the tools needed and this report shows the excellent opportunity we have to better prepare young people.” - Liv, Teach the Future Campaign Organiser and Youth Shadow Panel member

The ten priority areas are: 

• Quality-controlling classroom resources — making sure materials from major publishers are accurate, up to date and adaptable for local use 

• Reforming exam specifications — ensuring climate and nature are examined across multiple subjects, with specifications that can be updated as the science develops 

• Expanding enrichment opportunities — ensuring all students have equal access to climate-related activities outside the classroom 

• Supporting teachers — better training and resources across all subjects, including guidance on handling controversial issues in the classroom 

• Defining essential content — making the basics of climate change causes, consequences and solutions compulsory for every student 

• Keeping the focus on solutions — more emphasis on renewable energy, nature restoration and green careers in lessons, training and exams 

• Improving coherence and sequencing — clearer links between subjects and year groups to avoid repetition and build on prior learning 

• Embedding green skills — weaving data, digital and critical thinking skills into climate and nature teaching across all subjects 

• Strengthening the wider community — closer working between publishers, subject experts, industry and young people 

• Applying a climate lens to every subject — bringing climate and nature into subjects beyond the obvious ones, and ensuring it is covered in teacher training from the start 

The report ends by setting out a vision for what successful reform of the education system would look like by 2031. Contributors include the Royal Meteorological Society, the University of Reading, University College London, the National Association for Environmental Education, Students Organising for Sustainability, Global Action Plan and the Council for Subject Associations.

Notes to editors:  

Read: Delivering High Quality Climate Change, Nature and Sustainability Education for All – Beyond the Curriculum and Assessment Review

To speak to us about this, contact hello@teachthefuture.uk