posted by Alita Spink, Schools and Learning Support Officer, Schools and Learning
News from the Commonwealth 
Can we produce enough food for everyone?
According to the United Nations World Food Programme, the world produces enough food for our global population of 7 billion people. However, despite this, one person in eight on the planet goes to bed hungry each night.
Join our next Commonwealth Class debate on Thursday 23 February to explore the role of countries, communities, and individuals in ensuring everyone has access to a healthy, consistent supply of food.
Students will investigate how environmental, political and economic factors all affect food production and think of ways in which they as individuals can help, such as by reducing their carbon footprint and the amount of food they throw away.
We will have the pleasure of welcoming to this debate Andrew Clenaghan, Programme Coordinator from the poverty-reduction charity Practical Action as our specialist. Andrew will be participating in the debate on Thursday 23 February from 9:30am to 11:00am GMT, so get ready to share your class’s questions and best answers on Schools Online.
Prepare for February’s debate
Explore our free videos and resource packs
Together with The Royal Society, we have developed a series of videos and resources to enhance science learning in schools. Find everything you need get your students ready for the next debate in our resource on global food security – from starter activities to lesson plans to strengthen students’ understanding of food shortages, as well as materials to help identify possible solutions.
In focus: the role of civil society
Civil society is comprised of not-for-profit groups or organisations working directly in the interest of individuals and communities. Get ready for this month’s debate by reading up on how civil society works to ensure that our planet is a safer, fairer place for all, such as by organising food banks for people who do not have enough to eat or campaigning against climate change at policy level.
Other news
Exchanges with Australia for UK teachers
The Royal Commonwealth Society is accepting applications from UK-based teachers wishing to participate in an exchange with colleagues in Australia. In order to be eligible you must have a minimum of five years’ teaching experience and hold a recognised teaching qualification (QTS / a degree plus PGCE certificate / B.Ed). Applications close Friday 31 March.
Tell us what you think and enter our prize draw
How would you like to win £200 worth of Amazon vouchers for your school? Simply tell us what you think of our Commonwealth Class resources by completing our short online survey and enter your details for our prize draw. We are interested in your open and honest responses – your answers to the survey will be treated anonymously and not attributed to you as an individual.
Start thinking about Commonwealth Day
On Monday 13 March, 52 countries will come together to celebrate Commonwealth Day under the theme ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’. Be sure to circle the date in your calendar and pencil in our next Commonwealth Class debate, where we will be exploring how the Commonwealth supports international efforts for peace. Find out more about Commonwealth Day.
Unfearties are adults who make a difference in children’s lives, who are willing to speak up for, and stand alongside, children. Click here to join us and receive your badge.
Colin recently took the opportunity, provided by a call for responses to the Scottish Government’s Educational Governance Review, to look back over our 21 years of work with schools. As a result, we’ve created the publication, School should be a Joyful Place. Available here 
CP Investigates Bullying is working with children from eight schools across Edinburgh to explore themes of empathy, human dignity, kindness and trust. More info here
Our Aberdeen Imagineers continue to dazzle in the Granite City, as the programme begins its focus on attainment as part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge. More info here
