Great Park Academy
Meryl supported Great Park Academy hosting a British Science Week eco day, using MEE Big Questions to explore weather change, plastic pollution and introduce the Ministry of Eco Education framework.
Who was involved?
Teachers at five schools from across Newcastle and North Tyneside including Archibald First, Collingwood Primary, Great Park Academy, Southridge First and St Teresa’s Primary.
What happened?
Each school hosted a curriculum based eco day linked with Science Week. An intensive day of learning focussed on launching climate and nature education across the school curriculum.
What role did we play?
Meryl tailored MEE big questions to support the activities planned for the day. Year 1 - What does it take to make a cup of tea? Year 2 - How important is soil? Year 3 - Is the weather changing? Year 4 - What is really renewable? Year 5 - Should we all go vegan? Year 6 - Do we live on a plastic planet? In advance of the day, Meryl provided staff training and worked with teachers to tailor the activities. Meryl provided an assembly to launch the day and guidance throughout the day, visiting each class to support teachers with a demonstration or activity. Meryl also supported lead teachers to understand how the eco day could be a platform for weaving the MEE framework through their wider curriculum. At the end of the day, Meryl led an assembly where the school shared what they’d learnt and discussed next steps.
What was the impact?
50 teachers were directly involved in delivering learning informed by the MEE approach. More than 1000 young people experienced learning guided by the MEE approach. The MEE framework is now integrated into the Curriculum section of each school’s Climate Action Plans.
What can teachers learn from this?
Eco days are an effective introduction for staff to the MEE approach and help teachers to see how climate, nature and sustainability education can be integrated into their wider curriculum. Children gained knowledge and understanding about the climate and nature crisis whilst also enjoying the experience and took action.
