A SOLIHULL geography teacher has become one of the UK’s first climate change educators as part of a United Nations programme.
Rebecca Windmill, head of geography at Saint Martin’s independent school on Brueton Avenue, Solihull, is set to deliver lessons on the environment and the climate crisis.
She attended a UN-accredited course to learn about up-to-date climate issues and how they are best taught in schools.
She says: “I am passionate about ensuring the students we teach are informed about contemporary issues, and understand their role in the global system we live in.
“This course has enabled me to extend my knowledge on one of the most pressing issues our next generation will face, and I am excited to share this knowledge with both staff and students to equip them for the future.”
The online course for primary and secondary school teachers was launched back in April.
There is increasing pressure on policymakers to introduce climate change education across the national curriculum.
A YouGov study found more than two-thirds of teachers polled in the UK want to see more teaching about the climate crisis.
A teacher in Essex, Bec Wakefield, claims to be the first UN climate change teacher, after she completed the pioneering scheme in May.
The UN Climate Change Teacher Academy is being delivered by Harwood Education – which provides education resources, programmes and training schemes.
A Harwood Education spokesperson said: “Although climate change has been around for decades, climate change education has not.
“Our mission is to teach children how to understand and live in a world affected by climate change, but without fear.
“We want to spread this message to as many organisations and individuals as possible through the UN system.
“We believe that it is necessary to engage children and youth in changing societal attitudes and behaviours through their schools, families, and communities.”
