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Background Teachers are very aware of the need for education about energy efficiency and sustainability in order to help children to become responsible and informed future citizens. However, the energy topic is generally considered to be one of the more difficult environmental aspects to tackle.
The Power to Change is the title of the UK element of a European partnership project entitled Force Energetique pour les Enfants par l’Education (FEEDU) which provides practical support to teachers and schools. It has been successfully implemented in 12 Gloucestershire Primary Schools (9-11 year olds) in the academic year 2005/06. It offers a means of empowering pupils to become the key instigators of improved energy efficiency and sustainability in their school communities. Aims The project is a collaboration between the energy agency, the participating teachers and the local authority in order to provide: An integrated approach to energy education and energy management for schools A support package including training and technical advice for teachers and staff Resources to engage pupils with the topic and assist with monitoring the school progress towards reaching consumption targets Activities to encourage pupils to take the message home Funding The project was delivered to schools free of charge through European funding matched by SWEA and contributions from Gloucestershire County Council and the Energy Saving Trust.
Activities Examples of best practice from across Europe informed the development of project resources A Teachers’ Guide and training sessions proposed various ways to integrate the project work into existing curricula An advisory service enabled teachers to access support as and when needed, minimizing the impact on their busy schedules The energy surveys carried out on the school buildings facilitated the use of the buildings as educational tools Pupils were involved in monitoring energy consumption at school using an electronic “energy diary” Links were made between FEEDU and other environmental and European projects that participating schools are already involved with Schools have the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with participating schools Europe-wide through a website Results Motivating pupils to be proactive in promoting good energy practices has had an impact in the wider school communities. Parents, teachers and governors have reported an increased awareness thanks to the enthusiasm of their pupils and many are taking ongoing steps to improve their energy efficiency in the future. The results of energy surveys and monitoring of consumption are being passed back to local authorities who are interested in the data as feedback and to inform future educational capital development projects. Feedback from teachers involved with this project indicates that it has been a very positive experience for them and their pupils, for example, because: Curriculum time is very limited and the ‘light’ approach of this project has allowed it to be easily integrated into curriculum work The activities appealed to teachers and children and were at the right level for this age group. Attending training sessions is not always possible and as a result the methods used for delivering information to teachers in this project were appreciated The role of the energy agency is important in providing credibility to the work for staff and pupils but the balance must be maintained so that schools become independent in these activities in the future. Energy surveys that had been specifically designed for use by teachers and governors were a valuable resource to schools Pilot schools all intend to keep up the energy work next year which indicates that replication of the work with new schools could lead to long term benefits in terms of education and reduced energy consumption.
European Partner organisations Belgium Le Centre Urbain De Stadswinkel, Brussels (Co-ordinators) Association for Promotion of Renewable Energy, Walloon UK Severn Wye Energy Agency, Gloucestershire North East London Energy Agency, Walthamstow France Rhone-Alpes Energy Agency, Lyon Planete Sciences Mediterranee, Grasse Greece Crete Energy Agency, Herkalion Germany Prenzlauer Berg Energy Agency, Berlin Portugal Almada Energy Agency, Lisbon Sweden Dalarna/Gävleborg Energy Agency, Hofors Slovenia Slovenski e-forum, Ljubljana Local Steering Group The project is advised and supported at a local level by representatives from Gloucestershire County Council, The Wilderness Environmental Education Centre, teachers, CPSHE curriculum advisors and parents. |
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Key points Helping Gloucestershire schools to engage with an important but challenging topic in environmental education Motivating pupils to spread the message beyond the school gates and into the community Providing schools and the education authority with detailed, site specific information about energy consumption and costs |
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The sole responsibility for the content of this document lies with the authors. It does not represent the opinion of the European Communities. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
To find out more contact
Rachel Close, Project Manager Tel: (01594) 545369 E-mail: [email protected] Severn Wye Energy Agency Ltd 6/15 The MEWs Brook Street Mitcheldean Gloucestershire GL17 0SL Other Related Projects |