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Schools Climate Emergency South Yorkshire Conference

Children from Dore Primary School took part in the 3rd South Yorkshire schools’ climate action conference in March.

This important conference was very popular so only six places were available to us. Children were asked to send in their pitch, (either written or by video message) for why they should get a place. Mrs Simpson was incredibly impressed with how passionate and dedicated the children were about environmental and wildlife issues that matter to them. Eighteen children applied who all explained their reasons very well, but in the end eight children, from Years 3, 4 and 5 really convinced us and were chosen to attend the conference.

To represent out school and show our key message, the children worked hard on making a banner to display at the conference. We created our earth banner collage using recycled paper, waste plastic and fabric, re-using those waste materials to create something long lasting and beautiful.

The excited group travelled to the conference on the public bus and immediately put our banner on display for all the conference delegates to see.

We were welcomed to the conference and listened to a lady from The DfE explain important Government plans for how schools can help protect the environment.  Most of the conference day involved several workshops where we discussed our feelings and emotions about the climate emergency, action we can take to protect and encourage wildlife in school and in out local area, and our own environmental impact and carbon foot print. Over lunchtime, we had a chance to look at displays and books about the environment and other schools’ banners and posters.

Finally, we had the chance to hear the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, speak and answer questions about his plans for protecting our environment, heard Hafiz Anwar Zahidy speak about the floods in Pakistan and watched a drama by some older pupils inspired by poetry.

The children were fantastic ambassadors for Dore Primary School and a credit to their parents. They were thoughtful and intelligent advocates for protecting wildlife and the environment, contributing with energy and enthusiasm to all the activities and speaking respectfully and confidently when sharing their views and ideas.

Our next plan is to work with Christ Church in Dore to record the plant and animal life found in the churchyard and celebrate the beauty of the nature found there through photography.